THE TRAIN PULLED into the station and Hannah realized the time had flown for her. Yet another reason to thank Andrew. “What now?” Hannah stood and waited for Andrew to lead.
“We’ll hire a cab and take you home.”
“I need to see him now, Andrew. Could we please go to his office?”
“Of course.”
He hired a cab and gave the driver the address. They took off for the war offices, which weren’t far from the train station. Once they arrived at the large brick building, Andrew paid the driver and assisted Hannah down. They walked through the front doors of the war offices and ran into Clayton.
“Andrew?” He appeared confused and then saw Hannah. “Hannah? What’s amiss? Is something wrong with Emma?”
She shook her head and gasped at the sight of his face. “What happened to your cheek?”
He rolled his eyes. “A minor scuffle.”
“Where’s Christopher?” She took off down the hall before Clayton could answer.
“He’s in his office,” he said to her retreating back.
Hannah found Christopher sitting at his desk. “Knight?”
He glanced up in surprise and Hannah swore. His left eye was bruised and swollen and he had cut on his lip. Rushing over to him, she gently cupped his face in her hands. “What happened? When did this happen?”
“Sweetheart, what are you doing here?” He pulled her close and rested his hands on her hips.
Tears leaked out and down her cheeks. “Who did this, Christopher?”
He kissed her quickly. “Hannah, it’s nothing.”
“When did this happen?”
Elephants, cease!
He raised an eyebrow. “Last night, why?”
Her effort to stop a sob resulted in a snort.
“Did you have a dream?” He rose to his feet, pulling her closer, and she nodded into his chest.
“Which doesn’t make sense! Victoria is the one who knows things before they happen!”
“Who is Victoria?”
Hannah sighed. “My college roommate. Stop trying to change the subject.”
“Sweetheart, I’m fine. Clayton and I were accosted by a couple of thugs when we left the restaurant.”
She looked up at him. “Did you recognize them?”
“No. I think they were trying to rob us. Sweetheart, they got nothing. They caught us by surprise, but they were no match. They are currently in jail.”
“I don’t think it was random, Knight.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I don’t know. I just have a gut feeling.”
“Tell me about your dream.”
She took a deep breath. “There was a man and he wore a gruesome mask that covered half his face. He said he was a friend, but then he started to hit you and you wouldn’t fight back. I kept yelling for you to fight back, but you wouldn’t.”
“Shhh.” Christopher pulled her closer. “I certainly fought back last night.”
She glanced up. “Promise?”
“Yes, I promise.” He tucked an errant lock of hair behind her ear. “Now, how did you get here? You didn’t travel alone, did you?”
“No, Andrew came with me. I hope that’s okay.” She shook her head. “Actually, I don’t care if it’s okay. I had to come.”
Christopher chuckled and leaned down to kiss her. “I have missed you so much, precious girl.”
She ran a fingernail over one of his buttons. “I’m pretty sure I’ve missed you more.”
“I highly doubt it.” He sat back down and pulled her onto his lap. “How are you feeling?”
“I feel fine. Stephen examined me and everything looks fine.” Hannah laid her hand over her stomach. “I’m definitely pregnant.”
His eyebrows knitted in concern. “Have you been terribly sick?”
Hannah shook her head. “The pills Sophie gave me are helping. Emma and I danced last night and I felt fine afterwards.”
“I don’t want you to overdo it, sweetheart.” Christopher gave her a gentle squeeze. “Promise me.”
“I promise.” She patted his chest and climbed off his lap. “You’re probably busy. I’ll have Andrew take me home. I’ve decided I’m not going back to Harrisburg without you.”
“Have you now?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. You need me to protect you.”
Christopher laughed. “Oh, how I have missed you.”
The world lifted from her shoulders, knowing he was safe, and she smiled as he rose to his feet and leaned down to kiss her again.
“I think it would be a good idea, after all, to have Gwen come and stay.” Hannah clasped her hands in front of her. “Maybe Andrew can go and get her.”
Christopher narrowed his eyes. “I will fetch my sister.”
“We’ll see.” Hannah giggled and ran her hands up his chest. “Hurry home, Knight. I want to show you how much I’ve missed you.”
Christopher kicked his office door closed and ran his hands up her waist. He unbuttoned the top three buttons on her jacket and pulled at the tie on the neck of her chemise. He slipped his hand inside and under her corset.
“You don’t play fair, husband,” she whispered as he kissed her again.
“That didn’t quite go as I planned.” Christopher groaned.
“Hot and bothered now, are we?” She drew his lower lip into her mouth. He responded by leaning her over the desk and running his tongue over her collarbone. It took every ounce of willpower to push him away. “Okay, lovey, seriously, you need to either stop or find us a closet somewhere.”
Christopher stepped back, ran his hands through his hair, and took a deep breath. Once they composed themselves, he led her out of his office. Heading down the hall to Clayton’s, they found him and Andrew deep in conversation. Both the men stood as Hannah walked into the room.
Clayton grinned. “Chris, why don’t you take Hannah home? Andrew can stay with me tonight since he’s offered to join me this afternoon in the strategy session. You and I have already talked, so I think I can accurately share your theories.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice,” Christopher said with a smile.
Hannah walked over to Clayton to investigate his bruise. “That looks sore.”
Clayton shook his head. “It’s not so bad, Hannah. Just don’t tell my wife.”
“I’m not going back, so your secret’s safe with me.” Hannah smirked. “Of course... she’s going to see it tomorrow when you go to her.”
Clayton raised an eyebrow. “Why aren’t you going back?”
“I need to be here more than they need me there.”
“Why don’t you and Andrew join us for dinner tonight?” Christopher suggested.
“Six?” Clayton asked.
Hannah smiled. “Yes, perfect.”
“All right. We’ll see you then.” Christopher turned to Hannah. “Ready?”
She beamed at him. “Yes.”
Christopher had ridden to the offices, so he mounted and then pulled Hannah up in front of him and they rode home. Riding through their townhouse gates and into the small carriage house at the back, Christopher slipped off the horse and lifted Hannah down. He kissed her before they made their way into the house.
Hannah rushed through the kitchen, down the hall, and up the stairs. She was unbuttoning her jacket as she hit the stairs. Christopher caught her around the waist and turned her for a kiss and then lifted her in his arms and carried her the rest of the way to their bedroom. He walked through the door and kicked it shut behind them, gently setting Hannah on her feet. She was trying to unbutton Christopher’s shirt, somewhat unsuccessfully. In the end, she let out a frustrated growl and ripped it open, causing buttons to fly.
“Eager, are we?” Christopher laughed.
“Off! I want your clothes off,” she ordered as she rushed to remove her own.
Christopher helped Hannah with her corset and then she pulled off her chemise and pantaloons. Christopher pulled his naked wife into his embrace and kissed her until they were both out of breath.
Hannah laid her palms on his chest and guided him backwards across the room. When they reached one of the chairs in front of the fireplace, she pushed him to sit and then straddled his hips as she pulled the pins from her hair and let it cascade down her back.
He wrapped one arm around her waist and cupped a breast with the other as she lowered herself onto his rock-hard length. Hannah grabbed the back of the chair and Christopher gripped her bottom guiding her as she rode him, her small but strong body creating sensations neither had experience before. Christopher stood, keeping her locked to him, and pushing her up against the wall, burying himself deeper as she wove her fingers into his hair and pulled, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist.
“Now, baby,” she begged.
He let himself go and felt her contract as he came inside of her, carrying her to the bed, pulling her close as new snow fell outside.
“Wow.” Hannah purred. She rolled on her side to face him and rested her head in her hand. “I don’t ever want to be away from you again, okay?”
“Sweetheart.” He stroked her face with his finger and leaned to kiss her again. “Do you think I had a choice?”
“Yes... and no.” With a sigh, she rolled onto her back and pushed her hair away from her face as he scooted closer to her. He laid his hand protectively on her stomach and she turned her head to look at him. “I think you did what you thought you needed to do to keep me safe, and I went along for the ride. I totally agreed with you. What I didn’t count on was feeling as though the other half of me was missing.”
“You felt that way as well?”
“Yes, and I hated it. You’ve ruined me, love.”
“And you, me.” He chuckled. “I seem to make a spectacle of myself in public with you, and I honestly couldn’t care less.”
“I have an idea,” she said.
“What kind of idea?”
She rolled back over to face him. “An idea that will keep me occupied... and safe.” He raised an eyebrow. “Let me work for you and Clayton.”
“Excuse me?”
Pushing him onto his back, she settled her head on his chest and stared up at him. “There must be administrative tasks that you might not have time to do, and I’m pretty phenomenal at menial tasks.”
“Hm, mm.”
“And, you already know my powers of observation.”
He said nothing, but she could tell his mind was mulling it over. She put her hand on his chest and traced a finger down the middle. He grasped her hand and pulled it to his lips. “I can’t think when you do that.”
“So, don’t think. Just answer.”
“I think your idea has merit. Why don’t we discuss it with Clayton tonight?”
She squealed and flung herself onto him. He laughed as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “If this is the reaction I get with a simple ‘maybe,’ I’ll have to use it more often.”
“Oh, lovey, this isn’t close to the reaction you’re gonna get.”
She leaned down to kiss him and spent the next hour showing her gratitude.
* * *
Clayton and Andrew arrived for dinner right on time. Despite her nausea, Hannah didn’t want to waste the small handful of pills on a simple dinner with friends.
“Perhaps you should rest, sweetheart.”
“Look, if Andrew and Clayton can’t handle the effects of pregnancy, then they shouldn’t have children.” She held her fingers over her mouth to somehow stay the bile threatening to spill. “Oh, and I’m not going to wear shoes – or slippers.”
Christopher rolled his eyes, but Hannah was grateful he didn’t argue. He also took over the entertaining so that Hannah could simply ‘veg’ on the parlor sofa. She promised she would show him her appreciation later. As the group enjoyed a glass of wine, there came a frantic knock at the front door.
Hannah watched as Christopher went to answer it and heard his surprise... and admonishing tone as he bid the person entrance. “Gwen, what are you doing here?”
Christopher ushered his sister into the parlor. Gwen peeled off her leather gloves and looked up in mild shock. “Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you had guests.”
Hannah stood and hugged her. “Why are you apologizing, silly? You’re welcome here any time.”
“What’s going on, Gwennie?” Christopher asked, his tone low and menacing. “How did you get here?”
Her face paled. “I rode Thunder.”
“You rode all the way from home alone?” he bellowed.
Gwen took a deep breath. “It took me less than an hour!”
“That is not the point, Gwendolyn,” he growled.
“Knight,” Hannah grabbed his forearm. “She’s here and she’s safe. Let her explain.”
Andrew stood quietly by the fireplace, and Hannah noticed his fist clenching and unclenching at his side. His willpower obviously hadn’t deserted him, despite the longing on his face to rush to Gwen’s side.
Gwen wrung her hands together. “A man came to the house and started asking questions about you.”
“Where were your parents?” Andrew asked.
Gwen’s head whipped up as though she’d just noticed who’d asked the question. “Mama and Daddy were over at the Atwoods’. I was home with Nanny.”
“Why didn’t you go with them?” Christopher asked.
“Because I wasn’t particularly interested in Jimmy Atwood pawing at me,” she snapped.
“I’ll kill him,” Christopher said.
“Knight, focus.” Hannah took his arm again. “What happened, Gwen?”
“Nanny answered the door, and I was about to join her, but she stopped me.” She glanced at Christopher and then took a deep breath. “I stood hidden on the stairs. I heard the man ask where I was, and where you were. She told him that we were away for the week. He wanted to know what day we would return, she said she didn’t know, and the man pulled a gun out. He demanded to know where you were.”
Hannah watched her grow more and more upset as she told the story. “Come sit down, lovey.” Hannah led her to the sofa.
“Go on,” Christopher said.
Gwen chanced another look toward Andrew before continuing. “Nanny told him you were out at Matthew’s old place—”
“The shack?” Christopher interrupted.
Gwen nodded. “He said if you weren’t there, he’d come back and kill her. He called her some really awful names.” A tear slipped down her cheek. “I rode here as soon as I could.”
“Alone, Gwendolyn,” Christopher accused.
She stood and started to pace. “What other choice did I have?”
Christopher grabbed her arms. “That man could have been watching, he could have followed you, or worse he could have killed you!”
“He didn’t follow me,” she snapped.
Andrew moved quickly. Hannah gasped as he pulled Christopher from Gwen and stood between the siblings. “You will not touch her again, Christopher.
Christopher advanced on him, but Hannah stepped in front of him and laid her hand on his chest. “Knight, stop.”
Andrew turned to Gwen and gently rubbed her arms where Christopher had grasped her. “Did he hurt you?” She shook her head. “Is Nanny all right?”
“Yes, she’s fine. I, however, didn’t like the way he spoke to her.” Gwen dropped her head. “Like she wasn’t human.”
“Like she was a slave?” Hannah asked.
Gwen’s nodded. “Yes, exactly. And she’s not. She’s a free woman.”
Hannah smiled gently. “We know that.”
“I need to get out there,” Christopher said.
Gwen shook her head. “No, it’ll make it worse. Nanny’s gathering the men to defend the house, and Daddy will be back before you can get there.”
“All right.” Hannah smiled. “Are you hungry?”
Gwen nodded. “Starved.”
“Knight, can you please have Mrs. Putnam set another place?” He stood for several seconds and Hannah closed the distance between them. “Your sister is safe. She needs to know she did the right thing... which she did... and we need to support her. You can be mad later—when we’re alone.”
He gave a curt nod and left the room. Clayton followed. Andrew touched Gwen’s shoulder. “I’ll check on Thunder.”
She smiled. “Thank you.”
“Have a seat, Gwen.” Hannah swept her hand toward the sofa.
Gwen sat down. “Thank you.”
“Everything’s going to be all right.” Hannah sat next to her and squeezed her hand.
Gwen nodded and gave her a half-smile. Christopher returned and Hannah stood. “Is dinner ready?”
“Yes. Andrew and Clayton are washing up. They’re meeting us in the dining room.”
“Okay, let’s join them.” Hannah followed Gwen out of the parlor, purposely keeping herself between the siblings.
When they arrived in the dining room, Clayton and Andrew stood and waited for the ladies to be seated. Dinner had already been laid out in the middle of the table, so the group began to pass the platters.
“How’s Emma, Hannah? Really.” Clayton speared a potato with his fork.
“Like I said earlier, she’s fine.” Hannah laid her napkin on her lap. “Really. She misses you terribly, but she’s also been extremely busy with Sophie and that horse of hers. They both demand a lot of her time. Sophie finds it increasingly difficult to move about, and Samson isn’t reacting well to being home and not seeing her, so Emma has to spend a little extra time with him.”
“How does he react to Emma?” Andrew asked.
“At first, Emma was having a hard time with him, but they came up with a plan. Jamie helps Sophie out to the porch every morning so that Emma can ride Samson over to her and visit. It worked great at first, but on the second day, as he got close to the house, he made a run for it. Now, Emma just drops the reins and lets him go. It’s a good thing she’s a good rider, because she can hold on in his rush to get to Sophie.”
“What?” Clayton’s face turned beet red.
Hannah realized what she’d just said. “Sorry, Clay. She’s fine, really. There isn’t any danger.”
“Why doesn’t she just lead him to the porch and let him run without riding him?”
Hannah shrugged. “I think she likes the thrill.”
Clayton pushed away from the table. “Excuse me.” He strode out the door.
“I’ll be right back.” Christopher stood and followed him.
Hannah leaned over and patted Gwen’s hand. “Gwen, I’m glad you’re here, because I was going to ask you if you wouldn’t mind staying for a few weeks.”
“I’d love to, Hannah.” Gwen sipped her wine, concern flooding her features. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes, everything’s fine. I would be glad for the company... and the help.”
Gwen raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Why?”
“You’re going to be an aunt.”
Gwen dropped her fork with an excited squeal. “This is wonderful news! Mama and Daddy are going to be thrilled.”
“I hope so,” Hannah whispered and gave a small smile.
Christopher and Clayton returned and took their seats. The rest of the meal was spent joyously planning for the baby. They also discussed strategy on how to handle the mysterious gunman. Hannah excused herself just before dessert was served.
She made her way back to Christopher’s office... now back to normal after Christopher found other places for the discarded parlor furniture. She sat in his oversized chair and tucked her feet under her bottom. She had only a few minutes of privacy before she heard the doorknob turn.
“Hannah?”
“Hi, love.”
He stepped inside and closed the door. “Clayton and Andrew have gone back to the Maddens’ and Gwen’s settled in her room.”
“Thanks.”
“What’s amiss?”
She rolled her head toward him. “I’m just tired and a bit overwhelmed with everything.”
He made his way to her and held out his hands. “Come here.”
She slid her feet to the floor and let him pull her to her feet.
“It’s been a long day.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. “Why are you hiding?”
Hannah shrugged. “I don’t know. We haven’t even told your parents yet.”
“We will.” She shrugged again and dropped her forehead to his chest. He grasped her arms and pushed her away slightly. “You know my parents will be happy with the news.”
Hannah chewed her lip. “I hope so, Knight. I’d hate for them to be disappointed.”
“Why would they be disappointed?”
“We’ve just done everything so quickly.” She dropped her head again. “We barely gave them time to get used to me and now I’m going to make them instant grandparents.”
“We are going to make them grandparents.” He lifted her chin and kissed her nose. “They love you. Outside of killing me, there is nothing you could do that would disappoint them... and even then, I’m not entirely certain that would matter.”
“Funny.” She stared up at him. “Are you happy that you married me?”
“Hannah.” He smiled. “Come here.” He sat in his chair and pulled her onto his lap. “Look at me.” He waited for her to raise her head. “Hannah Julianne Butler, I love you. I’m proud of you, and I will forever wonder what I did so right that God blessed me with you, let alone the added blessing of our child.”
Hannah smiled. “I know you’re right.”
“That’s a phrase I’ll expect to hear often.”
Hannah laughed. “Dream on.” She kissed him. “I love you.”
“I love you too. Now, let’s get you to bed. It’s been a long day and I want my wife and baby to rest.”