Charlene Sands (5 page)

“Then you will marry him?”

“Oh, yes, then I will marry him.”

“And you will make lots of babies.” Rosalinda’s satisfied smile brought moisture to Jenna’s
eyes. Children would fill up her house with joy and laughter. Jenna couldn’t wait for that. She wanted Blue’s children more than anything. If her prayers were answered, Jenna would have the family she’d always hoped for. “Yes. We both want lots of children. Blue loves children as much as I do.”

“A man who loves children is worth much,” Rosalinda added, with an approving nod. “You will marry and have your family, Jenna.”

Jenna nodded in agreement. “Yes.”

Because whether his memory returned or not, Jenna wasn’t about to lose Blue Montgomery.

Three days later, dark threatening clouds bunched together, a congregation of dismal gray that blackened the sky and put dread in Jenna’s heart. Wind kicked up, blowing hard enough to make the shutters on the house rattle noisily. Jenna left her garden, deciding the herbs she was about to pick would have to wait. Storms meant trouble and this one promised to be wicked. She ran to the barn and thrust the door open.

Thankfully, either Ben or Blue had groomed and settled Mac in his stall. Larabeth, the big old milk cow, looked peaceful enough. Jenna made sure there was enough feed for both, handing reliable Mac a handful of oats, just as a loud clap of thunder blasted throughout the sky.

Jenna trembled.
Storms meant trouble.
She closed her eyes, blocking out memories, of fears
Jenna needed to put to rest. But the sounds and the smell of wet earth always brought it back.

She rushed to the door and ran smack into Blue. She tried to get past him to the safety of the house, but with a quick jerk of his arm, he grabbed her. “Whoa, slow down, Jenna. It’s coming down hard out there.”

She blinked and blinked again, coming out of her daze. Blue was drenched. Rivers of water ran down the brim of his hat. His clothes clung to his body.

“I gotta get into the house.”
Where it’s safe.
“

It’s best we stay in here, sugar. Until the rain lets up.”

“No, no! Not in here, Blue. I don’t like storms.” She didn’t want to stay in the barn. Not with the rain coming down in sheets and night falling. “Take me back to the house,” she pleaded. “Please.”

Blue’s expression changed instantly and she knew she could trust him. “Okay, Jenna. Okay. We’ll get you into the house.”

Thunder boomed overhead. She leapt into his arms.

Blue lifted her, casting her a questioning look, but he didn’t ask. She’d be forever grateful for that. Shutting the door, he took off running. They were hit with hard rain. Blue bent over her, trying his level best to keep her from the brunt of it. But Jenna didn’t mind the rain, the wind or the cold.
She was out of the barn. She could breathe again. That was all that mattered.

Once inside the house, he carried her up the stairs and deposited her inside her bedroom. “Get out of those wet clothes. I’ll make sure the windows are closed up tight.”

Jenna nodded, her mind numb.

He slanted her a stern look. “When you’ve dried off some, meet me downstairs, Jenna. We’re gonna have us a talk.”

Again, Jenna nodded. She moved slowly about the room, peeling off her wet clothes. She changed into a cotton skirt, tucking a shirt in, and glanced at herself in the cheval mirror. She looked a sight.

It wouldn’t do.

Jenna sat down on her bed, untangled her hair with her fingers, then brushed the long tresses until they were nearly dry.

Much better, she thought. Well, an improvement, at least. Jenna ambled downstairs. She heard noises in the kitchen, but didn’t join Blue there. Instead, she walked into the parlor and stared out the window.

Once a body was safe and warm inside, rain could be a beautiful thing. It cleaned the air and wiped away thick dust that layered the land. It nurtured new growth, put color on the earth, helped sustain all living things. Yes, rain
could
be something beautiful, sweeping away all the ugliness in
the world, allowing for a new day, allowing for a fresh start.

Jenna took a deep breath. Her sigh was audible and profound. She sensed Blue come up from behind, felt his solid warmth. He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her back against his chest. Jenna knew it wasn’t an act of lust this time, but more an act of friendship. She rested back against him, taking in his comfort, the strength he offered.

“What’s got you so scared, Jenna?”

She shrugged, “I don’t like storms. Ever since I was a little girl, I’d curl up in bed and cover myself with my quilt, but after Mama and Papa passed, I couldn’t do that anymore. I couldn’t pretend away the storm. I had responsibilities…the animals, the house. I managed until the last big storm.”

“What happened then?”

Jenna hesitated. Aside from Ben and Rosalinda, she hadn’t spoken of this to anyone. Blue had known because she’d written to him about it, but he didn’t remember anything that had happened to her. Yet, she sensed his compassion now and his need to know. She wouldn’t deny him.

Wrapped in his arms, she leaned more heavily against him. With a resigned sigh, Jenna began. “It was about a year ago. There was a storm just like this one, pounding down on the roof, the wind whipping everything about. I worried over the animals,
so I took off running and made my way to the barn. I had to latch it closed so that the wind wouldn’t rip open the doors. Instantly, I knew I wasn’t alone. There was a man inside my barn…a stranger with small eyes and a wicked smile. I screamed when I saw him, but he rushed over to me and covered my mouth, telling me to shut up.”

Blue went tight. She felt the muscles on his arms clench around her. “Did he hurt you?”

“No, but he would have. I believe he would have really hurt me. He was angry and asked me if he was at Twin Oaks. I told him, yes, this was Twin Oaks Farm. I’d never seen a man get so riled up, so fast. His language wasn’t fit for delicate ears, Blue. I’d never in my life heard such foul words. Then he stuck a paper in my face. It was a deed to Twin Oaks. He said he won the farm in a bet from Bobby Joe Duncan.”

“Your brother bet away the farm?”

Jenna stiffened. “He did. I couldn’t believe my brother would dare do something so cruel. He’d bet our farm and sent a vile man to me to collect his due.”

“Jenna, what kind of brother—”

“He’s the worst kind of gambler, Blue. Bobby Joe’s been no good most of his life, but I never thought he’d ever do such a terrible thing. If only—” She stopped, biting her lip.

“If only what?”

“If only you could remember. You had such
kind words, Blue. Your letters helped me get through that terrible time.”

“I wish I could remember, sugar. Truly.”

“I know you do.”

“So, if he won the deed to the farm, then how come he didn’t claim it?”

“The deed wasn’t real. Ben and I hold the deed to Twin Oaks now. We made sure of that early on, when my brother took up his gambling ways. He had no claim on our land. But he’d lied to this gambler, told him Twin Oaks was a lucrative ranch. The gambler was expecting horses and cattle, not unplowed land and cornrows. He was plainly furious when I told him the deed was a fake. He wanted to wring Bobby Joe’s neck. I was agreeing with him on that. But then the man got an evil look in his eye, said he might as well take it out on Bobby Joe’s sister, instead. I backed away, as far as I could, but the man came at me.

“I was trembling so hard, my teeth clattered and my legs were ready to crumble. A big boom of thunder distracted the gambler and I reached for the Winchester on the wall. I knew it wasn’t loaded, but he didn’t. I aimed it straight at his heart and told him to get out, to leave and never come back. I remember being so scared but I held that rifle straight and kept my voice steady. When he laughed, a sinful sound that wasn’t really a laugh at all, I could only stare at him. He said he wasn’t no damn dirty sodbuster and didn’t want
my broken-down farm. When he got to the barn door, he turned, and told me he might just come back one day, so I should keep my doors locked.”

“Damn. Who the hell was he, Jenna?”

“I never found out his name. When I was sure he was off my property, I ran to my room. I was spitting mad at Bobby Joe. Everything inside me went black with anger. I slumped down on my bed and…wept. It was so strange, I felt such anger boiling up inside me, but all I could do was cry. I cried loud and hard, and then the sobs came in silence until every tear I had in me was shed. There was nothing left. My bones felt like mush and my heart ached with such great pain. I recall feeling so small, so inadequate and so very alone. I’m tired of being alone, Blue.”

Blue tightened his hold on her. His warmth lent her the solace she needed now. “Jenna, you were betrayed by someone who should have been by your side. Hell, if I ever get my hands on your brother…” He let the words trail off then he turned Jenna in his arms. “That’s why you were so frightened in the barn tonight.”

Slowly, she nodded.

“That man won’t come back. There’s nothing for him here. There’s nothing for you to fear. But if I’m wrong and he does come back, I’ll be right here, with you.”

“Oh, Blue.” There was such understanding in the depths of his eyes and so much more. They
looked at each other a long time, until Blue finally took her into his arms. She clung mightily to him, feeling his strength, his kindness and for the first time in a long time, Jenna’s fears were put to rest.

Blue spoke in a voice filled with emotion. “I’m going to marry you, Jenna. As soon as the storm lets up. I don’t want to wait another day.”

I
t took three full days for the storm to pass. But Jenna assured Blue that was all right, because it had given her time to get ready for the trip to Goose Creek for their wedding. Ben had gone to Goodwill, when the storm had simmered down some, to telegraph the preacher in Goose Creek and make all the necessary arrangements. Jenna seemed pleased.

He still had doubts.

The void inside him was strong. He had no past. He didn’t know what kind of man he was. Would he make a good husband? Would he be faithful and kind and caring? Would he provide for Jenna sufficiently or would he tire of the farm, finding the monotony too tedious? All manner of doubts crept inside him. The only thing he knew for certain was that he wanted Jenna Duncan and if it took marrying her to have her, to make her happy, he’d do it.

With the wagon all packed up, he turned when Jenna came bustling out of the house. “You ready, sugar?”

She looked beautiful. Rosalinda had insisted on sewing up a new dress for her, soft pink with ribbons and ivory lace. The dress fit her form perfectly. And Jenna had left her hair down just the way he liked it best, flowing in waves down around her shoulders. So pretty, with golden threads blending softly just like the wheat she cherished so much. His chest filled with pride. And with longing. Soon, he’d know her intimately and the need was powerful. He had trouble thinking of much else these past three days but their wedding night.

“I’m ready,” she said, her smile bringing those dimples to life.

“Do not go so fast.” Rosalinda came up quickly, breathing heavy from her fast stride. Ben was steps behind. “We have a gift for you, Jenna.”

Rosalinda smiled warmly and handed Jenna a bouquet of flowers. The arrangement was filled with all of Jenna’s favorites and decorating the center was one large white magnolia. Jenna’s face beamed with joy as she clung to the fragrant bouquet. “Oh, these are beautiful.”

“They match the beauty in your eyes, Jenna. You go and be happy with your man.” He heard her whisper, “You make lots of babies.”

Jenna’s face flushed with rosy color and a little nervous chuckle escaped.

Making babies with Jenna.
He couldn’t wait. The sooner they got onto the wagon, the sooner they’d get to Goose Creek to make it all legal. And then came the baby-making time. His body had been tested to its limits lately. And the thought of finally claiming Jenna as his put notions in his head that weren’t fit for a morning ride.

Ben strode over to him, handing him an envelope. He stared at it, wondering what Ben had in mind.

“For the weddin’,” Ben said. “This is money left over from the seeder. Rosalinda and me, we thought a nice dinner and a stay in one of them fine hotels for the night would make a nice gift.”

He hesitated, his pride getting in the way. He had no money of his own, not a dime to his name. He’d wanted to do something special for Jenna. This was her wedding day. She deserved so much more than he could give her. He’d planned on selling his long coat to make do in Goose Creek, but Ben had hinted that he’d need that coat. Winters in Goodwill could be brutal. He couldn’t argue with that and now Ben faced him, his gray eyes filled with encouragement.

“Take it, for Jenna.” Ben passed him a look only another male would understand. He spoke quietly, “She deserves a nice weddin’.”

He accepted the offered envelope then, shaking
Ben’s hand briskly, thanking him. Jenna did deserve a nice wedding and he’d see to her happiness from now on. He’d provide for her and take the burden of running the farm out of her hands. As soon as he learned about farming, that is.

He glanced at Ben once again, vowing that he’d make it up to him, too…to all of them. They’d been good friends.

Shortly after, they took off, leaving Twin Oaks in the dust. He sat back in the seat of the wagon, listening to Jenna’s enthusiasm. Once she’d accepted his proposal, she’d begun making all kinds of plans for the farm. How much more acreage they could plant now. And with him working alongside of the others, their profits would go up. She wanted to enlarge the henhouse so they could buy more chickens. She wanted to breed the hogs and maybe one day raise some sheep. She had all sorts of new things stirring around in her head.

He liked listening to her. He liked seeing her happy. She was a woman a man could stay with forever. For the first time since he’d been bleeding out by that pond and left for dead, he thought that somehow his luck had changed.

He was a man with no past. But now, thanks to Jenna, he had a future. He liked that about her, too.

“You enjoying the meal, Mrs. Montgomery?” he asked, watching Jenna push food around in her plate. They’d gotten to Goose Creek two hours
ago, met with Reverend Archer and in the space of one hour were married. It was a quiet, simple ceremony and that suited him just fine. He was a married man now, sitting across from his new bride in the Honey Belle Hotel, eating dinner in the dining room.

He kept glancing at Jenna’s face. She sure seemed happy. She’d been talkative on the way into town, but now she sat quietly, forking her food slowly and smiling shyly, relishing the meal and taking it all in. She deserved to be waited on, he thought earnestly, deserved the best in life. If he could, he’d try to give her that.

But for now, he couldn’t wait for the meal to be over. She’d ordered steak and hot mashed potatoes with some fancy gravy and more vegetables piled on a plate than he’d seen growing on some farms. She had a ways to go on the food. But their hotel room was not fifty paces away, up the stairs, then a turn to the left, the hotel clerk had said.

It was all he could think about.

Getting naked with Jenna. Making love to her. Making her his in the eyes of the law and of the Lord.

Hell, he just wanted to get to it.

“It’s going take getting used to,” she said, stopping the fork from going into her mouth.

“Huh?”

“Being Mrs. Montgomery. Of course it’s all
I’ve really wanted for years now. But still, it sounds sorta funny hearing you say it.”

She took the bite that had been on her fork and he let go the breath that he’d been holding.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m having a time getting used to being
Mr.
Montgomery. And that’s been my name since birth.”

“It’ll come, Blue. One day, you’ll remember.”

“I’m not planning on it happening soon. Seems it would’ve happened by now. Why, I’d bet the last of the money in my pocket that I don’t get my memory back at all this year.”

Jenna froze, her face going white as snow.

“What? What’d I say?”

“You wouldn’t, would you, Blue? You wouldn’t gamble away your last dollar? You wouldn’t
gamble
at all, would you?”

Where had that come from? Blue didn’t even know why he’d said it, but he should’ve been more considerate of Jenna’s feelings, knowing how she hated gamblers. Knowing
why
she hated gamblers. He called himself every sort of fool for speaking without thinking first. Fact is, he wasn’t thinking about anything other than getting his beautiful new bride upstairs. He took her hand. “No, it’s just a saying, is all. I wouldn’t bet on anything and I’m sorry to have put that look on your face.”

They’d promised each other that they’d never speak of Bobby Joe and what he’d done to her again. It was over and done with and he admonished
himself for not realizing how his offhand remark would affect her.

She smiled and began eating again. “Oh, I’m sorry for taking offense, Blue. It’s silly of me. I know you hate gamblers as much as I do. You said so…in your letters. They are useless men who don’t know how to earn an honest living, that’s what you said.”

“Mmmm,” he replied, not really hearing Jenna. He found the loosened lace that secured her bodice more interesting. One pull and the whole darn thing would come down.

“I’m through,” she said finally, pushing her plate away. “I just couldn’t eat another bite.”

Relief swamped him. Now they could get to the baby-making part of the wedding night. He grinned and called the waiter over, ready to pay up.

“Sir, would you and the missus care for dessert? We have a wide array of fine pastries, cherry cobbler, blueberry cream tarts and puddings in several flavors?”

“No,” he said firmly.

“Yes,” she said at the same time.

The ache in his groin intensified. He ran a hand down his face.

The waiter offered cordially, “Shall I bring in the dessert tray, madam?”

“Yes, yes. That would be lovely,” Jenna said. “Blue, don’t you care for dessert?”

Blue gritted his teeth and shook his head.
She
was all he planned on having for dessert. “I’m fine, Jenna. You go on and have whatever you like.”

She smiled as the waiter returned with the tray filled with delectables. “Oh, they all look so delicious. It may take a while for me to decide.”

After she finished dessert and coffee, Jenna gazed up at her husband. He had those hungry eyes again, which frightened her a bit, but at the same time thrilled her. She wanted to know him in all ways and tonight she knew she would. He stood quietly, took her hand and led her up the stairs to their hotel room. With a click of the latch, she found herself alone with her new husband in a room Jenna might have only dreamed about. She moved about the room, taking it all in. Frilly curtains of lemon yellow covered the windows and flowery wallpaper decorated the walls. To one side, a curtained partition hid a large porcelain bathtub and on the other side, centered on an oblong mahogany table, a cut-crystal vase held cheerful yellow daisies. When she braved a glance at the rather large sleigh bed all fluffy with quilts and pillows, she took a hard swallow. “It’s lovely,” she managed, turning to him.

“The best room in the hotel, Jenna. You deserve the best.”

“Oh, Blue.”

He came to her then, taking her hands, then
drawing her into his arms. His steadfast embrace soothed her nerves. He whispered softly, “I’m your husband now, Jenna. You’re my wife. Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you, I promise.”

Jenna gazed up into his eyes and witnessed his sincerity. She knew then she could do what he asked. She could set aside her fears for Blue. Jenna Duncan Montgomery finally felt at peace. She cast her new husband a smile.

He kissed her then, a long, drawn-out, sweet kiss that spoke of trust and caring. Jenna relaxed. This was what she’d dreamed of, what she’d wanted for so long. “I love you, Blue.”

He smiled, a crooked cocky lifting of his lips that melted her bones. He kissed her again and again, this time with passion, and she returned his kisses heartily. On a deep guttural groan, he pulled her against him, his hands roaming freely, touching and caressing everywhere. She felt the pull of ribbon and her dress parted down her shoulders. He helped ride the sleeves down and then brought his mouth to her breasts.

She moaned from pleasure and joy and denied him nothing. Within minutes, she was standing in a pool of her clothes, petticoats and dress discarded easily. He lifted her then and carried her to the bed. Gently, he lay her down and removed the last of her protection. Her chemise met with the rest of her garments on the floor.

Those hungry blue eyes were on her again, studying her with an expression of delight.

“Beautiful, Jenna.” He stroked a hand through her hair, releasing pins and arranging the locks against the pillow. “Remember when I told you what I wanted to do with you once we were married?”

She nodded. How could she forget such erotic things? They’d swirled around in her mind for days on end, making her lose precious sleep at times. She’d wondered about what he’d said, what he’d actually meant. She’d thought and thought, trying to figure out just how it would all work. And tonight, she would find out. She would give herself completely to Blue, placing her heart in his hands, her trust in him entirely.

“Let me?”

She gulped down. Tonight, she’d find out what she’d always wondered. Tonight, Blue would claim her as his wife. She would be his, and he would be hers for all of their days. Her dream was coming true. “Yes,” she whispered.

He kissed her again and brought his hand down past her belly, finding her soft woman’s center. He stroked her lightly and she moaned from the delicious sensations that slight touch evoked. “Oh, my.”

His touch elevated her senses. She felt everything threefold, and these new feelings were much more startling than Jenna had ever imagined. Blue
stroked her body with careful finesse, a bold yet tender caressing that left Jenna positively breathless. He played her body like a fine instrument, gliding, tracing, strumming her until her breaths became ragged and her heart thumped nearly out of her chest. He touched her everywhere, his eyes dark with appreciation and desire. He spoke softly, gentle whispers belying the wildfire he was surely creating. His lips found her breasts, his hands, her hair and when he groaned, the deep rich sound made every nerve in her body tingle.

Blue rose from the bed and undressed before her. His gaze latched onto hers, beckoning her and daring her to watch. Boldly she stared as her new husband peeled away his clothes and the reality struck her like a bolt of lightning. Blue was hers, all bronzed skin and solid strength. His magnificence should have frightened her, but how could it? She’d never witnessed such beauty in anyone before. She’d never known a man could be so rough and hard in one way and so impossibly beautiful in another.

He came to her then, pressing himself down onto the bed. He kissed her until her lips bruised sweetly, and then he was above her, his hungry eyes on her with heat and desire. And as they joined, flames burst forth, first with slight pain, then with something far more staggering in its wonder. Blue was careful with her, coaxing her, caressing her, holding back his own passion so that
she might find her way. And Blue seemed to know the exact moment when she had. Together, as one, they climbed to the highest peak, stunning Jenna with its intensity. Both cried out, two souls joining, the blazing fire blasting one last time before simmering to a slow sizzle of heat.