Catalina's Caress (48 page)

T
he night was warm, but a breeze rustled in the trees along the river. The soft singing of the men who worked the
Belle
floated on the night air. It soothed the pair who lay together in the main cabin.

Sated, they had relaxed in each other's arms, their silence filled with contentment.

"Did I tell you that you made the most beautiful bride in existence?" Marc murmured against her hair.

"You're prejudiced." Catalina laughed softly.

"I'm not. I merely made the observation, and every person present agreed with me."

"Marc, you are impossible," Catalina teased, but she was pleased by her new husband's pleasure in her.

Again they were silent for a short time; then Marc chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"Did you by any chance watch your brother's face at the wedding?"

"No. I was too busy watching you," she replied.

He kissed her leisurely and deeply.

"He's head over heels in love with Jacqueline, and I wouldn't be surprised to see another wedding in the making by the time we get back."

"I couldn't be happier about that. Jacqueline is lovely, and she and I have become good friends. She did make an exceptionally lovely bridesmaid. Didn't you notice?"

"No." Marc laughed. "With you there, it's hard enough for me to control my baser needs, much less notice any other woman. Besides, not one is lovelier than you."

Catalina turned in his arms to mold her body more tightly to his, then drew his head down for a kiss that disintegrated whatever control he had.

He caught her in his arms and smiled into her warm eyes. "I love you, my dear wife. And this honeymoon is going to last a lifetime."

"Yes... a lifetime," she breathed softly, as their passion again began to blossom into the flame of love that would warm them throughout their lives.