Patrick was surprised to hear humming when he arrived home. The house was bright with several lanterns lit, one on the dining table and another in the living room. There was a bright fire in the hearth and the house smelled of herbs and chicken. His mouth watered.

“Emma? I’m home.”

The beauty emerged from their bedroom and grinned upon seeing him, her eyes bright.

“You’re home early. Supper isn’t ready yet.”

He loved her.

The realization had come weeks earlier and, yet, he wasn’t able to tell her. It had slipped past his lips once while making love. And although Patrick expected Emma would have said something in return, she’d kept silent.

Several times, he’d come close to asking his father what to do. A man was supposed to declare himself to a woman. It was the right thing to do. However, with Emma things were not as usual. Although he figured she cared for him, she was not demonstrative. She never touched him when they were around each other and not once had she complimented him in any way.

Whenever he paid her a compliment, she received it with silent acceptance. He knew her life had been harsh. It was doubtful the people who’d raised her showed her any type of love or caring. Even less possible that they’d ever complimented her in any way.

“Emma,” Patrick said, holding out his hand. “Come here. I want to talk to you.”

Her smile disappeared and her eyes rounded. “Is something wrong? Did I forget to do something?”

Not wanting her to worry, he kissed her. “Nothing is wrong. Can’t a man talk to his wife?”

She relaxed against him and nodded.

“Let’s sit down.” He guided her to the sofa and once she sat, he sat next to her and pulled her against his side. “I want to know if you’re happy. If you need anything.”

“Of course, I’m happy. You give me everything I ask for. I couldn’t possible want for more.” She looked up at him. “I feel so very lucky.”

Patrick pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose. “You never ask for anything.”

“Not true. I got fabric for a new dress and you purchased me a coat and shoes...”

“Those are necessities. I want to buy you baubles.”

“Baubles?” Her brows lowered. “I don’t know what those are.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Things women like. Smelly soaps and such.”

“I’ve never owned anything like that. I would like a perfumed soap. That would be nice.” She studied him for a moment. “Why are you bringing this up?”

It was time to declare himself. A lump formed in his throat and Patrick fought to swallow past it. “Because that is what a man does for the woman he loves and wants her to be happy. I want you to be happy because I love you.”

Emma’s mouth fell open and her eyes rounded so wide he wondered if they’d pop out. “You...oh...I see.” She swallowed visibly. “Thank you.”

Cupping her face with both hands, he tipped it up. “Don’t thank me, Emma. I am the one who’s grateful to have found a beautiful wife in you.”

She pulled him down for a kiss, her mouth readily opening to allow him access. They fell backward onto the sofa with him over her.

Her heart threatened to burst out of her chest and not only because of Patrick’s hand sliding up her leg to find her most private parts. He loved her. He had stated it clearly and she’d been on the verge of breaking down. Instead, now Emma wanted him. More than ever, she needed intimacy to cement his feelings.

How could she respond? Did love announce itself or was it something that one would automatically recognize? In truth, she had no idea what it should feel like. For days now, the same thoughts had repeated over and again. Did she love her husband?

“Take your clothes off, Emma. I need you on full display for me.” His murmured words sent shivers through every part of her and Emma lifted up and quickly unbuttoned her dress. The rest of the clothing followed as Patrick watched, his darkened gaze following her every move.

By the huge bulge, he was aroused and yet he didn’t undress. Other than the opening of his long-sleeved shirt, his body was totally covered.

It was strange how erotic and beautiful she felt to be fully nude before him.

“Sit on the sofa,” Patrick said, motioning to the piece of furniture. “I want to see you.”

Emma leaned back on the sofa waiting for him to join her. Patrick’s lips curved as his eyes traced over her, leaving a trail of heat over her skin.

When he lowered to his knees, Emma waited curiously to see what he’d do.

“Part your legs.”

Trembling slightly, she did as he asked. “What are you doing?”

This time, his lips curved into a full smile. “I am going to devour you fully. I want to taste when you come undone.”

Not understanding, Emma could only look as he pressed a kiss to her lower belly and then trailed his tongue down the center to her sex.

“Oh!” She started to close her legs, but didn’t want to squash his head. “Patrick...”

The first lick made her eyes cross. The second made her legs fall open and the third, fourth and fifth had her bucking up into his mouth.

Continuing the delicious assault, Patrick held her legs wide and took his fill. The way his tongue flicked over her core had her crying out. Within minutes, Emma lost control and came with so much force, she screamed out Patrick’s name along with several other words that would make her blush at church the following Sunday.

Trembling with need, she could only gawk as Patrick stripped in front of the fire. She had come to enjoy making love during the day when she could see every inch of him. His body was perfection in her opinion. The hard curves and muscles that bunched with his every move were a beautiful sight.

His manhood jutted from his body, swollen and dark as he walked toward her. “Will you take me in your mouth, Emma?”

Without question, she nodded. “Yes.” The breathless word made him smile.

Emma lowered to her knees and opened her mouth obediently. “Suck on it, but don’t bite,” Patrick instructed.

His manhood was silky and hard at the same time. The saltiness of his skin combined with his grunts of pleasure made Emma want to please him more. He watched her intently while sliding in and out of her mouth. Emma grasped his shaft with her right hand and he nodded, letting her know it was pleasant.

Before long, his thrusts became too much and Emma gagged when he shoved to her throat. Finally, she had to push back on his hips. Although erotically pleasing, she feared choking.

Patrick didn’t seem to mind. He lifted her from the floor and guided her back to the sofa where he positioned her leaning forward at the waist.

His hand sliding over her bottom and in between the folds of her sex made her legs wobble. She turned to look at him over her shoulder. “Patrick, take me. I want you.”

Finally, he nudged at her entrance. Then holding her hips, Patrick thrust in fully. “Take all of me.”

He held her hips with both hands pulling out before sinking back in. “I can’t be gentle, Emma. I will try.”

The lovemaking was like none before. It was as if by telling her how he felt, something became unleashed within them both and Patrick took her without stopping, pausing only to help her to lay on her back so that he could continue.

Patrick found his release, his body stiffening and he shuddered as she tightened her legs around his waist.

Within a few moments, he was hard again.

Emma lost count of how many times she found her release. It seemed each time she floated down, he took her back to new heights.

Finally, Patrick moaned loudly in her ear as his entire body shook with his second release.

He stilled. “Smoke...I think it’s burning.”

Emma forced her heavy eyelids to open. “What?”

“Supper...” Patrick said and pulled out.

“Oh no!” Emma jumped up and ran to the stove. When she opened the oven, smoke and flames lashed out.

“Here, I got it.” Patrick had grabbed a thick cloth and took hold of the pan. Emma opened the back door and he ran out with the blazing food.

Smoke billowed out and Emma turned to see what could be done when she heard laughter.

“Looks like I came at a bad time, Son.”

Finn Langley was outside. He was laughing and pointing at Patrick before turning his back to avoid looking at Emma who stood at the door stunned with her mouth open.

“Ahhhh!” she screamed and ran to the bedroom.

* * *

Patrick appeared at the door moments later. He had put on pants and his shirt was unbuttoned. “Pa came to ask us to supper with them. I accepted.”

“I can’t. No. I’m too embarrassed.”

When he chuckled, she glared at him. “This is mortifying! How can you laugh at a time like this? I can’t imagine facing your father ever again.”

He came to the bed and pulled her into his arms. “Don’t cry, Emma. It’s natural for a husband and wife to have relations. Pa said he didn’t see you.”

“But he knows.”

“Of course, so does everyone who knows we’re married.” He nuzzled her neck. “Come on, sweetheart. Comb your hair and do something about those swollen lips before we get there.”

“Patrick!” Emma couldn’t help but laugh. “You are incorrigible.”

* * *

Despite avoiding her father-in-law’s gaze the entire time, Emma enjoyed dinner. Maureen was an excellent cook. Throughout the meal, Emma asked advice on how to make the dishes herself.

When the meal was over, Emma followed Maureen into the kitchen. “Thank you for the invitation. I burned dinner today.”

Her mother-in-law chuckled. “So I heard.”

Emma’s face burned at her slip and she hurried back to the table to get more dishes. Unable to avoid it, she returned and began to wash the dishes while her mother-in-law cleaned up.

“I am happy to know you and Patrick are well suited,” Maureen said through chuckles. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s natural for a young couple to enjoy private time together.”

Unable to help it, Emma laughed. “I can’t believe how long Patrick stood outside talking without a stitch of clothing on.”

They giggled, only to halt when Patrick walked in. “What’s so funny?” He walked up and kissed his mother’s jaw. “Dinner was delicious. Thank you.”

* * *

The entire ride to visit the Milligans, Emma couldn’t stop babbling. She went over different scenarios of how to ask them if she could possibly be their daughter. There seemed to be no easy way to bring the conversation about since Mrs. Milligan had never once told her about a second daughter.

“What should I ask first?” Emma wrung her hands. “Should I tell her your mother mentioned it?”

“Dear, you should tell Mrs. Milligan how you found out. Then tell her my mother told you about their daughter.”

“Oh my goodness, I think I’m feeling lightheaded.” Emma covered her face with both hands.

The wagon stopped and Emma looked up. “Why did you stop?”

“Listen to me,” Patrick said, taking her shoulders. “There’s a strong possibility you are not the girl who was taken. Don’t get your hopes up too much. If you are, we’ll celebrate. However, if you are not, things will remain the same. You are still a wonderful wife to me.”

She leaned against his chest. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“Let’s not find out too soon,” Patrick said, chuckling. “Now, are you ready?”

Although she nodded, her stomach cramped with nerves. “Yes.”

“Why, I do declare,” Mrs. Milligan cried out with a face-spitting smile. “I was just telling Donovan how much I miss seeing you.” She rushed from the front door to where Patrick helped Emma down from the wagon. “Young lady, don’t you stay away so long again.”

The women hugged and Patrick could sense Emma was on the verge of tears. He distracted Mrs. Milligan.

“My mother sends her love. And she told me to ask you for the squash casserole recipe you promised her.”

Mrs. Milligan covered her mouth with one hand. “Oh dear, I did promise her that, didn’t I? Come on inside. I’ll write it down right away so I don’t forget.”

They were bustled inside and Emma froze at the door. Sitting in the parlor was a woman who bore a striking resemblance to both Emma and Mrs. Milligan.

“I’m so happy that you get to meet my daughter, Jane.” Mrs. Milligan went to the woman who smiled brightly. “Jane, this is Emma, who I told you so much about.”

Jane embraced Emma, whose face became flushed. “I’m so glad you live closer so Mother doesn't have to be so lonely. I hate that my husband’s work took us so far away that I can only visit three or four times a year.”

“My husband, Patrick,” Emma motioned to him. Patrick fought for something to say as he nodded to the woman. “Nice to meet you.”

“Be a dear and get some tea,” Mrs. Milligan said and then looked to Patrick. “Donovan and Jane’s husband, Gerald, are in the stables. They are looking at the horses Gerald brought.”

The words were music to Patrick’s ears. This could be the contact he needed to get horses and grow his dream of a horse ranch.

“If you ladies will excuse me.” He left the house and hurried to the stables.

Donovan Milligan waved him over upon seeing him. Patrick had unhitched his horse and guided the animal to a corral where the men stood talking.

In the enclosure were two beautiful horses, a breed he’d never seen. Patrick barely made it through introductions to Gerard before he started peppering the man with questions.

Gerald looked to his father-in-law and then grinned at Patrick. “Seems you fell out of the sky as an answer to my prayers. My father-in-law was just telling me he’s too old to get into the horse business.”

“I have land and I’m looking to branch out from cattle to horses.” Patrick couldn’t believe his luck. If Gerald Jenkins would be willing to work with him, it could be the perfect arrangement to begin breeding the beautiful horses.

“They are Appaloosas, a gentle, but fast and reliable breed of horse. With their distinctive spotted coat, it will help to keep them from being stolen.”

Patrick followed Gerald into the corral and approached one of the beautiful mares. The horse was a beauty, its white coat covered in brown spots that matched its tail and mane.

“Appaloosa.” Patrick said the breed name slowly. “She’s a beauty.”

“Indeed, she is,” Donovan called out from outside the corral. “You two will make good money off those horses.”