CHRISTOPHER HELD HANNAH close, grateful that Clayton was driving. His body thrummed with the aftertaste of panic, and he felt her shiver.
The meeting with the President had ended earlier than expected, and he and Clayton were both anxious to see how the girls’ visit had gone. As they approached the doors to the hospital, Christopher heard Hannah yell, “Gun!” and then heard the shot. His heart was in his throat as they ran for the building.
Pulling Hannah closer, he shook off the memory, kissed her temple, and rubbed her arm. Her shaking had finally subsided, but the tears had started again, and Christopher just wanted to take her somewhere private.
Clayton drove the buggy back to the carriage house and set the brake. With barely a nod in the direction of his stable hand, Clayton lifted Emma out and waited for Christopher to do the same with Hannah. Christopher refused to set Hannah on her feet, and her body curled into him as she wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder.
He followed Clayton and Emma into the house.
“I’ll organize a bath,” Emma offered, and despite Clayton’s resistance to let her leave his side, she made her way to the kitchen to speak with the housekeeper.
Christopher gave Hannah a gentle squeeze. “Let’s get you upstairs.”
Hannah gave a nod. Christopher carried her up the narrow stairs and back to the guestroom she had been calling her own. Settling her on the trunk at the end of her bed, he knelt in front of her. Hannah rubbed her palms across her thighs. “So much blood.”
“Do you want to wash your hands, sweetheart, or wait for the bath?”
Before she could answer, a knock on the door sounded, and Christopher rose to answer it. Emma led the staff in with a bath and gathered towels as they filled it. “Time for you to go, Chris.”
Christopher stalled but Emma pushed him out into the hallway and shut the door. Pacing the hall, he clenched and unclenched his fists in an attempt to relax his hands.
“Is my wife with Hannah?”
Christopher turned to see Clayton walking toward him. “Yes. In her room.” He pointed to the door.
* * *
Inside, Hannah sat in the hip bath and scrubbed her body while Emma found her clean drawers and pulled out the velvet gown Christopher had made for Hannah for Christmas. “Are you okay?”
Hannah nodded.
“Are you sure?”
Hannah sighed. “Em, I really don’t want to talk about it.”
“Why not? You saved Mrs. Lincoln.” Emma swept a stray lock of hair behind her hair. “You’re a hero.”
“No, I’m not.” Hannah dropped the washcloth with a splash. “I threw the poor woman to the ground, Emma. I pretty much guaranteed my fiancé will be jobless tomorrow.”
Emma’s eyebrows puckered. “I don’t think you’re remembering the events quite the same way I do.”
“You were the one who told me not to touch her, and what did I do? I pushed her over and jumped on top of her!”
“Hannah, you saved her life. I think she’ll forgive you for how you did it.”
Hannah sighed. “Can you get me a towel, please?”
Emma handed one to her and then turned her back so that Hannah could climb out of the tub. Hannah had no sooner pulled the chemise over her head when there was a knock at the door. Emma propped it open and peered through the crack.
“Is she dressed?”
Emma shook her head. “No, Chris, she’s not. Give us thirty minutes.”
Christopher’s long fingers wrapped around the door in order to stop Emma from closing it. “Hannah, put a robe on, please.”
Emma glanced at Hannah in question.
“It’s fine, Em, just let him in. He’ll badger us until he gets his way, anyway.” Hannah tied the sash with a swoosh. “Come in, Knight.”
Emma barely had a second to move out of the way before Christopher pushed the door open and stepped inside. He turned to Emma. “Some privacy?”
She raised an eyebrow and Hannah was grateful she didn’t respond. Emma had a wicked mouth when she was angry. With a quiet huff, Emma left the room, leaving the door ajar.
“Knight, I’m fine.”
“Are you certain?” He grabbed her hands and kissed each palm.
“Why are you worrying about me?” She pulled her hands away. “I just single-handedly ruined your life.”
Christopher cocked his head. “What are you talking about?”
Hannah stomped to the window and crossed her arms. “Um, hellooo, I threw your boss’s wife on the floor. I’m half-expecting him to bang down the door and haul me away in cuffs.”
Christopher reached out his hand. “Come here, sweetheart.”
She shook her head.
“Yes, Hannah, come here.”
She inched her way toward him and quickly found herself pulled into his arms and kissed until she couldn’t think. When he finally broke the kiss, he cupped her face and stroked her cheek. “You have done nothing wrong, and no one is going to take you away.” She opened her mouth to argue, but he covered her lips with his fingers. “You have done nothing wrong, sweetheart.”
She pulled his hand away. “Knight, I threw—”
“Nothing wrong,” he interrupted. “Now, get dressed and we’ll enjoy Christmas dinner.”
“Fine.” Hannah huffed. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you when you find a pink slip in your stocking.”
He kissed her without asking her what any of that meant and went to wait for her downstairs. Emma returned to assist Hannah with her corset and gown, and then left, to get dressed herself.
Hannah made her way downstairs and was met by the housekeeper, who was wringing her hands as she nervously approached her. “Miss Nelson, I’m sorry to disturb you, ma’am.”
Hannah laid her hand on the older woman’s shoulder. “What’s the matter?”
“Well, ma’am, uh... there is someone here.”
“All right. Did you tell Clayton?”
The woman blushed crimson. “I have been unable to, uh, disturb him and Mrs. Madden.”
Hannah groaned. Too much information, lady.
“All right. Where’s Christopher?”
The hand wringing began again. “I don’t know, ma’am.”
“Oh, for Pete’s sake. I’ll greet them.” Before the housekeeper could respond, Hannah brushed past her and stepped into the parlor.
“Miss Nelson?”
Hannah’s head whipped up, and a gasp escaped her lips as she was pulled into the thick embrace of Mary Todd Lincoln.
“Ma’am? I’m so sorry about today. I feel terrible. Please don’t punish Christopher for my abhorrent actions. It’s my fault.”
Mrs. Lincoln glanced up in shock. “Punish Christopher?”
“You don’t need to defend me, sweetheart.”
Hannah spun to face the door as Christopher strode into the room and bowed over Mrs. Lincoln’s hand. “Ma’am. To what do we owe the pleasure?”
“Why, Mr. Butler, I came to thank your beautiful fiancée for saving my life.”
“Come again?” Hannah’s jaw dropped open.
Christopher moved to stand beside Hannah and took her hand in his.
Mrs. Lincoln smiled. “If it weren’t for you, dear, that patient would have shot me.”
“He wasn’t a patient,” Hannah mumbled under her breath, and Christopher squeezed her hand—a silent warning to shush.
Mrs. Lincoln raised an eyebrow. “What was that?”
“Um, I’m humbled by your patience, ma’am.”
“Well, you’re a remarkable young woman. My husband and I would like to welcome you to our dinner table next week.”
Hannah’s hand went to her mouth. “Really? Are you sure?”
Christopher squeezed her hand again and then released her to focus on Mrs. Lincoln. “We would be honored to join you and the President, ma’am.”
“Wonderful. I’ll send the details to your office, Mr. Butler.”
She turned and began to move out the door.
“Wait.” Hannah held her hand out. “He’s not fired?”
“Hannah.” Christopher groaned, albeit for her ears only.
Mrs. Lincoln turned. “Why would I light him on fire?”
Hannah shook her head. “Sorry. Never mind, ma’am. Thank you, ma’am.”
Christopher left her standing in the parlor to walk the First Lady to the door. Hannah didn’t move until he returned a few minutes later. “Sweetheart?”
“Hm?”
He chuckled as he pulled her into his arms. “You did nothing wrong.”
“I really thought I’d screwed everything up.” Hannah dropped her cheek to his chest. “Did you say something to the President?” She raised her head. “Call in a favor or something?”
“I didn’t need to, sweetheart. You didn’t do anything wrong.” He kissed her nose. “I’m going to keep saying it until you believe me. I’m exceedingly proud of what you did today. You saved her life.”
“I guess I did... kind of.”
Christopher’s eyes widened. “Not kind of, sweetheart. You definitely saved her life. But, enough about the fact that you put yourself in front of a bullet.”
She gently slapped his chest. “Knight. Stop.”
“You look exquisite.” He leaned down to kiss her but they were interrupted by Clayton and Emma barging into the room.
“I have your shoes, Han.”
Christopher straightened slowly. “You’re not wearing your shoes?”
She raised a finger in accusation. “Don’t you dare start.”
“You were without shoes in the presence of the President’s wife?” Christopher ran his hands down his face.
Hannah let out a quiet huff. “I didn’t know she was here! I thought it was just us.”
“Mrs. Lincoln was here?” Clayton asked. “Why did no one tell me?”
“You were otherwise occupied.” Hannah grimaced. “The housekeeper tried to find you.”
Emma giggled and Hannah shot her a look of reproach. Emma covered her mouth with her hand and took a deep breath. “Well, I say, let’s eat.”
Hannah narrowed her eyes. “Of course you do, Emma.”
Christopher groaned. “Shoes, Hannah.”
“If I didn’t wear them in front of the First Lady, what makes you think I’m going to wear them now, big man?”
“It is just us, Chris.” Emma linked her arm with Hannah’s. “Plus, her dress pretty much drags on the ground. No one will be able to see.”
Hannah’s chin jutted up in challenge. “Yes, Chris, no one will see.”
“We’ll meet you in the dining room,” Christopher said.
Clayton and Emma left the room and Christopher leaned down to kiss Hannah. “You’re going to push me to the limit, aren’t you?”
Hannah smiled. “Only if you’re lucky.”
* * *
The next two weeks were spent in frustrated bliss. Dinner with the Lincolns was eye opening, and an absolute pleasure, breaking up the monotony of their forced waiting. Before they knew it, the time came to pick up friends from Harrisburg who traveled to share in the celebration.
The morning of their wedding brought snowfall. It was light and stopped an hour before the ceremony would begin, but it left a fresh smell to the air and made the day seem even more romantic. Emma, Sophie, Gwen, and Christine stood in Hannah’s bedroom, getting her dress ready while she soaked in a hot bath.
“Are you ready, Han-Han?” Emma asked.
“More than ready.” Hannah reached her hand out for a towel.
Emma handed the towel to her and Hannah stepped out of the tub, wrapping it around herself. She sat on the stool by the fire. Using an iron rod heated in the fire, Christine created soft curls over her crown. She wove yellow satin ribbons through the curls and pulled her hair back, sweeping her bangs to the side.
Her dress was ivory velvet, adorned with lace at the bust, sleeves, and hem. It was low cut and came to a V at her waist. Emma tied a wide yellow ribbon with a cameo in the middle around her neck like a choker, and she wore the emerald and diamond bracelet Christopher gave her for Christmas.
A knock came at the door and Hattie handed in a package for Hannah from Christopher. She opened the box to see a beautiful pair of emerald and yellow diamond earrings and a note.
My precious girl – I love you more than life and am so thankful you’ll be mine in just a few hours. I am forever, your Knight.
Her eyes filled with tears as she took the earrings out and put them on.
“Hannah, those are perfect. They’re an exquisite match,” Emma said.
“You have something new,” Sophie said.
“Mama sent my grandmother’s ring for you to borrow. She wore it on her wedding day and I’ll wear it on mine,” Gwen said.
“That was so thoughtful of her.” Hannah slipped it on her finger.
Christine handed her a lace handkerchief. “I made this for you. I hope you like it.”
“Christine, it’s perfect, thank you.”
“Okay, you have something old, new, and borrowed. We need something blue,” Emma said.
“My garters have blue on them. I think we’re good,” Hannah said.
The girls moved Hannah to the large mirror and she let out a gasp. “I don’t even look like myself. Thank you!” She hugged the girls and then it was time to get to the church.
Christopher’s parents’ horse-drawn sleigh awaited her outside. Christopher’s father would walk her down the aisle, which of course, made him feel proud as punch.
Mr. Butler was waiting for her in the foyer as she descended the stairs. “Hannah, you look beautiful.” He kissed her hand. “I’m sure you’re missing your father right now.” Hannah nodded, tears threatening to spill. “I know I’m a poor substitute, but I hope you know that I’m proud and honored to welcome you as my daughter.” He smiled kindly. “I’ll try to fill some of that empty space.”
Hannah couldn’t stop the tears. He handed her his handkerchief and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She leaned against him and tried to bring her emotions under control.
Emma joined them in the foyer a few minutes later. “Hattie’s got everything under control at the church, so we should get going.”
Emma and Hannah climbed into the sleigh with the group and made their way to the church. The girls were met by Hattie, who had Hannah’s bouquet. It was made of twelve long-stemmed yellow roses, interspersed with daisies, wrapped in the same yellow ribbon in her hair.
“These are perfect, Hattie. Thank you.” Hannah hugged her.
“Just wait until you see what she and Nona did to the inside,” Emma whispered.
The guests were seated and Hannah and Emma waited in the lobby as they heard the music start. Emma walked down the aisle to meet Clayton, who escorted her to the bride’s side, then the wedding march began and the doors opened to reveal Hannah, standing with her future father-in-law.
The room and the sight of her fiancé standing next to the preacher overwhelmed her. The sanctuary was filled with yellow roses and daisies, cascading yellow ribbon, and ivory lace. Christopher stood at the front in formal black, with a yellow ascot and boutonnière. He was gorgeous. Yet more unexpected tears formed as she made her way to him, and she forced them away as Christopher’s father kissed her cheek and then handed her to Christopher.
“You are the most beautiful woman alive,” he whispered, and Hannah blushed.
They turned to face the pastor and before they knew it, they were married. The ceremony was beautiful and reverent.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Christopher kissed Hannah and the pastor announced the newlyweds. They made it down the aisle and out the doors of the church. He lifted her into the sleigh and then jumped in beside her. He laid a thick fur blanket over her legs and they made their way to Clayton and Emma’s for the reception. Christopher wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
“I can’t believe we’re finally married.” Hannah leaned into his side and gazed up at him.
“I know. I thought today would never come.” He cupped her cheek and kissed her. “You look beautiful.”
“You look pretty fabulous yourself.” She raised her hands to her ears. “Thank you for the earrings, Knight. I have a wedding present for you as well, but you’ll get it later.”
Christopher grinned. “I can’t wait.”
They arrived at the Maddens’ to find everyone waiting for them. Nona and Sophie had transformed Clayton and Emma’s home. Yellow roses were everywhere, and the menu was light, but decadent. When it came time for the cutting of the cake, Hannah was surprised and thrilled to see it was cheesecake.
“You did this, didn’t you?” she whispered.
Christopher raised an eyebrow. “It’s your favorite, how could I not?”
Their friends and family toasted and roasted them and before Hannah knew it, it was time to change. Emma led her upstairs to her room where Hannah’s day dress was ready and waiting.
“Chris is going to lose his mind.” Emma pointed to Hannah’s custom underwear that hugged every curve.
“It’s perfect.” Hannah slipped into hoops and then pulled the day dress over her head.
Once Hannah finished dressing, she followed Emma downstairs. Christopher waited in the foyer for her and took her hand as she reached him. The couple exited the house and found their guests waiting on each side of the path.
“Ready?” Christopher asked her.
“Ready.”
They rushed down the middle of the group. Rice and rose petals accosted them on the way to the awaiting sleigh. When they arrived home, Christopher lifted her from the carriage and carried her to the front door. Hannah laughed “You’re thorough, lovey.”
With a wide smile, he carried her over the threshold, gently setting her down in the foyer. “Welcome home, Mrs. Butler.”
He kissed her and they ascended the stairs to their newly-decorated bedroom. Gwen had outdone herself, and Hannah gasped as they walked in. “Knight, it’s beautiful.”
The fire was lit and there were a few candles strategically placed around the room. There was a bottle of champagne and flutes on a small table, with yet more cheesecake, daisies, and yellow roses.
“Yum.” Hannah smiled up at Christopher.
“Would you like some champagne?”
“No.” She pushed his jacket from his shoulders.
“Would you like some cheesecake?”
“Nope.” She began to unbutton his shirt.
“What would you like to do?”
“I couldn’t possibly say it out loud, Knight.” She pushed his shirt from his shoulders and groaned. “Good lord, you can’t be real!”
Christopher chuckled. “My turn,” he said as he turned her and began to slip the buttons on her dress.
Before he got to the last button, she stopped him going further. “Close your eyes,” she whispered. “And don’t peek.” She waited for him to do as she asked and then slipped the dress from her shoulders and let her skirts fall to the ground. Pushing the hoops from her hips, she turned to face Christopher again. “You can open your eyes now.”
She stood before him in emerald green undergarments, something she knew he’d never seen before. She didn’t know how he’d react to her not wearing a corset, but she didn’t have to worry.
“Hannah,” he whispered.
“Do you like them? It’s the wedding gift I told you about.”
“Well, obviously, but what are they?”
“This is what we wear in the twenty-first century, instead of a corset and pantaloons.”
He held out his hand. “Come here.”
She took his hand and stepped over her discarded gown. He cupped her face and leaned down to kiss her. She couldn’t stop touching him. He had a soft dusting of dark hair that covered his entire chest and tapered down disappearing under the waistband of his pants... which is where her hands went next.
“Hannah, we need to take it slow, sweetheart.”
“Why?”
Christopher growled. “I have no idea.”
Hannah giggled. “I want you out of those pants.” She ran her hand down the front of them.
“Soon.”
Slipping one of the straps down, he kissed her shoulder, and then did the same with the other. Hannah reached behind her and unhooked her bra, pushed the straps further down her arms, and let it fall to the ground.
Christopher let out a low whistle. “Hannah.”
Lifting her, he carried her to the bed and laid her gently down before stretching out beside her. He began to kiss her neck and worked his way down to her breasts. She ran her hand down his chest and rested it at the waistband of his trousers. Slipping the buttons, she started to push the pants from his hips. “I want these off.”
He stood and removed his pants.
Hannah gasped. “Where are your underwear?”
Christopher shrugged. “I don’t wear them.”
“Oh, my.” She pointed at him and bit her lip. “There is no way that is going to fit.”
“I promise all will be well.” He smiled. “We’re made for each other.”
He stretched out beside her again, propping himself up on one of his elbows and sliding his free hand over her stomach, flattening his palm against it. He felt her shiver and smiled. “Do you have any questions?”
“No,” she whispered. “Mum explained everything in medical detail, and movies, television, and books filled in the rest.”
“Movies and Television?”
She licked her lips. “Story for another day, okay?”
He chuckled, kissing the underside of her breast. He drew a nipple into his mouth as he slid a hand between her legs and she arched into him with a moan. He cupped the heat of her, then slipped a finger through her wetness, taking her mouth hostage and kissing her deeply. Shifting to kneel between her legs, he fitted himself at her opening and inched forward. His heart broke to see her squeeze her eyes shut tightly and pain settle in her expression.
“Hannah?”
“Hm?” she rasped, her eyes still closed.
“Sweetheart, look at me.”
Her eyes flew open and he stroked her cheek. “We stop if you want to stop.”
She gripped his biceps. “I don’t want to stop.”
“I’m going to go slowly.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
His control was slipping, the feeling of her tight warmth gripping him almost too much to bear. “Hannah, I don’t want to hurt you.”
“And I’d like you to get the pain part over and done with.” She lifted her hips and wrapped her legs around his waist. “Please, Chris. Just break that sucker already.”
He bit back a laugh as he stared down at her.
“Seriously, love,” she stressed.
He gave her a quick nod and thrust into her, covering her gasp with a kiss, then staying as still as he could to let her body get used to his size. As he kissed her, he caressed her breast, rolling her nipple between his fingers, then moved his hand between their bodies and massaged her gently until her hips began to move. He then linked his fingers with hers and pinned her arms above her head, slamming into her again and again, Hannah meeting each thrust until she cried out and her body came apart around him.
Christopher wasn’t far behind and he released her hands stroked her face as he kissed her rolled her to lie on top of him. “Are you all right?”
She smiled at him. “Yes, definitely. I’m great. Was it okay for you?”
“Incredible.”
“You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?”
“Never, sweetheart,” he whispered and kissed her.
“You did tell a tiny fib earlier.”
He cocked his head to see her better. “I did?”
“Yes. You’re a bit bigger than what is comfortable.” Hannah glanced up at him. “That hurt like hell.”
“Next time you will know nothing but pleasure. I promise.”
Hannah sighed. “I’ll give you one more chance.”
Christopher laughed. “All right, sweetheart. Would you like to take a bath?”
“Yes, most definitely.”
Christopher refused to make love to Hannah again that night. She’d argued, saying her bath had relaxed her and insisting she was now very much in the mood, but he wanted to give her body a break, so she curled her body into his arms and fell into a deep sleep.