RAYNE WAITED IN the parlor for several minutes before her curiosity overtook her common sense and she went to find Sam. She slunk into the foyer and heard muffled voices coming from his mother’s private parlor. As she got closer, the voices clarified. She stood, frozen, as she listened to the conversation.
“You barely know this girl, Samuel,” Mrs. Powell accused. “It’s irresponsible to rush into such a big decision.”
“Mother, you and Father knew each other a week before getting married,” Sam argued.
“Yes and we have paid for that.”
“It’s different with Rayne.”
“Is it? This girl showed up out of nowhere, no family or past to speak of, and you’re ready to rush off and marry her.”
“I know my own mind, mother. I’m not a child.”
“I know that, dear, but you are just twenty-four,” his mother droned. “Not experienced in this world. This girl could be trouble. Anyone who finds it so easy to take the Lord’s name in vain shouldn’t be trusted.”
Rayne bit her lip.
I do really need to watch that.
“Why would you say something so absurd?” Sam snapped. “I would much rather be married to someone who does the right thing, rather than say the right thing.”
“They’re one and the same!”
“No, they’re not,” Sam argued.
“Samuel, you are successful and exceedingly wealthy. What girl wouldn’t be attracted to that? Especially one who appears to be alone. She’s very physical with you. It’s unseemly and there is that business with her sickness.”
“What business, mother?”
“Her being enceinte.”
“Mother! She’s not pregnant! She has been sick!”
Rayne gasped and slapped her hand over her mouth.
“Well, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she were pregnant, Samuel, and I think you should reconsider,” his mother continued. “It might not even be yours.”
“I’m not having this conversation with you again,” Sam snapped.
Again? When had he had it before?
“She’s not an acceptable choice, Samuel, and you will break it off with her immediately.”
Sam said something Rayne couldn’t quite hear and she leaned closer to the door.
“And don’t think I don’t know about you and that harlot’s daughter, either, Samuel.”
“Excuse me?” he asked.
“Gwendolyn Butler,” she snapped.
“What have you been told?”
“Enough to make me believe you’re a horrendous judge of character.”
“Mother!” Sam groaned. “My relationship with Miss Butler is none of your business… and neither is Rayne.”
His relationship with Gwen? Present tense?
Rayne didn’t want to hear anymore. She couldn’t decide if she was angry or sad; her mind was swimming with confusion and her heart wanted to run. She stomped up the stairs and to her room. She shut the door with a little more force than she intended, but had to admit the sound gave her a bit of satisfaction. Pacing the room, she tried to sort out her options.
Of which, she didn’t have many.
The only thing she knew for sure was that she couldn’t stay there… wouldn’t stay there. If Sam wasn’t willing to tell her the truth about his feelings for Gwen and if his mother hated her that much, Rayne wouldn’t stick around to take the abuse.
A knock interrupted her internal war and she turned just as Samuel pushed open her door. “There you are.”
She tried her best not to glare. “Hi.”
“You didn’t wait for me. Is something wrong?”
Rayne shrugged. “I have a headache.”
“Are you ill again?” Sam frowned and closed the distance between them. Rayne tried not to melt as he laid his hand on her cheek. “You don’t feel warm.”
“I’m really tired, Sam. I probably just need to sleep.”
“We haven’t even had dinner.” He smiled. “Where’s the woman who doesn’t like to sleep before midnight?”
She shrugged again. “Maybe I’m not the woman you think I am.”
His eyebrows puckered. “Angel, tell me what the matter is.”
Rayne sighed and stepped away from his touch. “I’m fine, Sam. Could you please send your sister in?”
“Should I get the doctor?”
She shook her head. “No. I’m simply tired.”
Sam leaned down to kiss her, but she deflected his advance. He straightened and stared at her for a few tense seconds before he nodded and moved toward the door. “I’ll get Amelia for you.”
Rayne swallowed and laid her hand over her stomach in an effort to calm the butterflies. She sat in one of the chairs next to the fireplace and squeezed her eyes closed. If her plan didn’t work, she’d be stuck and she didn’t want to be stuck.
Amelia walked in a few minutes later. “Rayne? Sam said you weren’t feeling well.”
Rayne forced a smile and rose to her feet. “I think I’m simply overly tired, but I do need a favor.”
Amelia smiled. “Anything.”
“I need to leave.”
Amelia frowned. “What do you mean?”
Rayne smoothed her hands over her skirts. “I need to go back to Harrisburg.”
“Sam will take you, Rayne.”
“No!” Rayne snapped. “Sam can’t know anything about it.”
Amelia gasped. “What did he do?”
“Nothing, Amelia. I just need to go back.”
“If he did something to you, Rayne, you can tell me.”
Rayne took a deep breath. “I just need to go back. Please don’t tell him anything.”
Amelia nodded. “I’ll take you. John will drive us to the station. It’s not far and I know the way. We’ll use Sam’s name to get on the train.”
Rayne bit her lip. “Can we go in the morning before Sam wakes up?”
“Of course. Is there anything I can do for you now?”
“Just tell Sam that I’m sleeping and not to disturb me.”
Amelia left her, and Rayne spent the majority of the evening in abject misery.
* * *
Amelia woke Rayne at six the next morning. Rayne got dressed, left her ring on the night table, and left her love behind. She didn’t speak the entire way to Harrisburg… couldn’t really. Her throat didn’t seem to work. She was glad Amelia didn’t press her for conversation, seemingly happy to leave Rayne to her thoughts.
The ladies arrived at the depot and disembarked to find John waiting with a hired rig. They set out to the Wades’ and pulled up to find Sophie and Jamie moving crates.
“Rayne?” Sophie was obviously surprised to see her. “Are you okay? We heard you were sick.” Rayne’s composure cracked. She burst into tears and Sophie gathered her into her motherly embrace. “What’s wrong?”
“His mother hates me and he’s still in love with Gwen.”
Amelia gasped. “What are you talking about?”
Rayne turned to her. “Your mother hates me, Amelia. She raked Sam over the coals for wanting to marry me. She told him I was a gold digger and a harlot.”
Her sobbing started all over again and Sophie squeezed her as she turned to Amelia. “You must be Sam’s sister. I’m Sophie Ford, James’s wife. I’ve heard so much about you and your wonderful care while my husband was injured. It’s so nice to meet you.”
Amelia nodded. “Nice to meet you also.”
“This is probably one of the reasons why she hates me. I can’t even do a simple introduction,” Rayne cried.
Sophie tightened her hold. “Rayne, I’m sure you’re mistaken.”
“No, I’m not. I want to go home, Sophie. I told you this would happen and now my worst nightmare has come true.” Rayne pulled away from Sophie and wiped her tears from her cheeks. “The bottom line is that I don’t belong here. I need to go home!”
“Where is home?” Amelia asked.
“Chicago,” Sophie provided and gave Rayne a warning glance.
“I thought you said that Sam had done something.” Amelia frowned.
Rayne sighed. “No, I just didn’t correct you when you came to that conclusion.”
Amelia narrowed her eyes. “Rayne! My brother is going to be furious. Not to mention worried sick.”
“Well, he can cry on Gwendolyn’s shoulder then.”
Amelia crossed her arms. “Gwendolyn’s married to another man.”
“Doesn’t mean he doesn’t still love her.” Rayne turned back to Sophie. “Sophie, please. I need to go home.”
Sophie rubbed Rayne’s arm. “Look. You’re upset and obviously exhausted. Come inside with me and we’ll sort this out after you’ve rested. Amelia, you are welcome as well. We’ll get you home tomorrow.”
Amelia nodded and followed Sophie inside.
* * *
Sam woke later than usual and his immediate thought was of Rayne. Climbing out of bed, he splashed water on his face in an effort to wash away his fitful night and then went to find her. Pushing Rayne’s bedroom door open, he found the room empty, so made his way back downstairs. She wasn’t in the parlor or the dining room. He went to find his mother, who was in her private parlor.
“Mother?” He knocked on the open door. “Did Rayne go for a walk with Amelia?”
His mother glanced up from her needlepoint. “I haven’t seen your sister yet, dear. She might still be asleep.”
“At this hour?” Sam tried to control his irritation. “She’s always first awake.”
“Yes, that’s true.” Mrs. Powell shrugged. “However, I have yet to see her.”
Sam made his way upstairs and back to Rayne’s room in case she may have returned. He opened the door and it was still empty, but something propelled him forward. He saw nothing out of order necessarily, but he knew something wasn’t quite right. Then he saw the ring. He grabbed it from the night table and rushed to his sister’s room. Searching quickly, his heart sank when he saw the note on the bureau.
“Mother!” he bellowed as he flew down the stairs.
“What would ever make you think it was appropriate to yell at the top of your voice in this house?” she admonished as she came out of her office.
“Meely left you a note. What does it say?”
She laid her needlepoint aside. “Well, how would I know? I haven’t read it yet.”
“Mother!” he hissed. “Read the note, please.”
His mother opened the missive and read. “Well, this is just ridiculous.” She waved the letter in the air. “I knew that girl was trouble.”
Sam took it from her hands and read it. “Shit!”
“Samuel Harold, I will not hear that kind of language in my house.”
“All right, mother, I’ll leave your house and use it outside.”
His mother gasped and Sam rushed out the door. He saddled his horse and took off in pursuit of his family.
* * *
Sam arrived in Harrisburg just after lunch and rushed through the open front door of the Wades’ home without knocking. “Rayne!”
Amongst crates and trunks and bustling staff, Amelia stood in the foyer buttoning her gloves. “Good afternoon, Sam. Rayne’s asleep. I was just going for a walk.”
“Where?”
“Out to the arena I think.”
“Meely.”
Amelia chuckled and nodded up the stairs. “She’s upstairs. What’s going on?”
He scowled at her. “You tell me. You left a note for Mother saying that you were going to Harrisburg because I had hurt Rayne.”
“Well, I believe I was mistaken.” Amelia lowered her head in contrition. “I’m sorry, Sam.”
“Explain, Meely.” He grasped her arm and pulled her toward the parlor. “The part about the note and the part about why you traveled here alone.”
“I didn’t travel alone. I was with Rayne.”
“Unmarried ladies who traveled on a train the army is in charge of, using my name and connection with Christopher to get on board. Start talking.”
Amelia sighed. “Rayne was upset because of something Mother said. She said Mama was unhappy about you marrying her and seems to think she hates her. I asked John to drive us to the train, so we were perfectly safe.”
Sam swore as he ran his hands through his hair.
Amelia frowned. “What did Mother do?”
“I’ll explain later. First, I need you to do something for me.”
Sam outlined his plan. Confident that Amelia would execute it perfectly, he went upstairs to find Rayne. Opening the guest room door, he found her asleep on the bed. He made his way over to her and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Angel, wake up.”
She opened her eyes and scowled. “Go away.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
Rayne yawned. “This will never work, Sam. You should just cut your losses.”
Sam shook his head and crossed his arms. “I don’t give up, remember?”
She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the mattress. “Your mother thinks I’m a gold digger and a harlot. She doesn’t think I’m good enough for you.”
Sam grinned. “Well, she’s wrong on all counts, then… eavesdropper.”
“Why are you grinning like an idiot?” Rayne slid off the bed.
“Was I?”
Rayne sighed. “It’s not just your mother.”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “Then what else?”
“You shouldn’t be in here.”
Sam grasped her hand. “Angel, tell me what the matter is.”
Rayne sighed. “You don’t have to marry me.”
“I’m aware of that.” He grinned. “But I want to. The thought of not marrying you makes me crazy.”
She blinked as she stared up at him. “Really?”
“That surprises you?” Sam raised an eyebrow.
Rayne dropped her head. “What about Gwen?”
“What about her?” Sam lifted her chin with his finger and narrowed his eyes. “Just how much did you hear?”
Rayne bit her lip. “Most of it,” she admitted.
“Rayne,” he admonished.
Rayne wrinkled her nose. “Don’t you dare use that tone with me. You’re the one who’s still in love with your old girlfriend.”
“I am?”
She tried to pull her hand from his, but he held firm. Rayne pursed her lips. “If your mother knew about the two of you, then I’d say you understated your relationship.”
He grinned.
“What?” she snapped.
“You’re beautiful when you’re angry.” He pulled her close and covered her mouth with his. He couldn’t resist. Her lips were puckered in irritation, just asking to be kissed.
She sagged against him and sighed. “Sam, stop.”
“Not until all thoughts of my affection for another woman are wiped entirely from your mind.” He kissed her again, his body fighting against his mind to throw her on the bed and remove her clothing. She slid her hands up his chest and he thought he might lose all sense of decorum as she wove her hands into his hair. Breaking the kiss, he cupped her cheek and smiled down at her. “Rayne, I have never loved anyone other than you. It doesn’t matter what anyone else might say or think, it doesn’t make it true. Gwendolyn Simmonds has been nothing more than an acquaintance and friend.”
Rayne bit her lip. “So what are you trying to say?”
Sam laughed. “Silly girl. You shouldn’t be at all concerned about another woman. After all, aren’t you Rayne Green, million-dollar pip star?”
Rayne snorted. “Pop star, Sam, not pip.”
“Right. Pop star. According to Victoria and you, every man wants you. Why wouldn’t I?”
Rayne flopped onto the bed. “I’m not a pop star here.”
“You’re my star, Angel.” Sam leaned down, placing one hand on each side of her legs. “I love you.” He kissed her again.
She grasped the lapels of his jacket and sighed. “I love you, too.”
“Good.” Sam grinned and pulled her off the bed. “Now, I have a plan.”
“You do?”
“Yes. Amelia will be up shortly to help you dress.” He kissed her cheek. “Don’t concern yourself with my mother. I honor her, but wholeheartedly disagree with her.”
She worried her lower lip. “I’m not trying to get your money, Sam. I didn’t realize you had any, to be honest.”
Sam chuckled. “I know, Angel.”
He left her and Amelia walked in a few minutes later with the deep-blue velvet gown Rayne had worn when she first arrived. It was one that Victoria had packed for her when Emma brought her to Harrisburg. That trip seemed like a lifetime ago.
Once Rayne was dressed, Amelia led her downstairs and into the foyer.
“What are we doing?” Rayne asked.
Amelia gave her a secret smile. “You’ll see.”
She handed Rayne a bouquet of wildflowers, slightly wilted from the frost, but wrapped in a deep-blue ribbon, which made them look a bit more substantial. Taking Rayne’s arm, she pulled her toward the parlor and stopped outside the door. “Are you ready to marry my brother?” Amelia asked in a whisper as she opened the doors.
Rayne gasped. Sam stood on the opposite side of the room and her new friends stood on both sides of him, creating an aisle way. Rayne nodded as tears filled her eyes and she moved to join Sam. Minister Cunningham married the couple in less than five minutes. They didn’t have time for congratulations, as Sam had them booked on the four o’clock train to D.C.
Rayne hugged Sophie as they were leaving. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”
“My pleasure. You’ll be here for Thanksgiving and I expect another duet.”
Rayne laughed. “I can’t wait!”
Amelia hugged her next.
“Thank you for your help, Amelia.”
“Thank you for marrying my brother. I couldn’t ask for a better sister.”
Rayne giggled. “Well, give it time. You might come to regret those words.”
Sam said their final farewells and then lifted her into the buggy driven by Jamie, and the couple took off for the train station. They made it just as the whistle blew. Rayne hugged Jamie quickly, and she and Sam made a run for the train. She was out of breath as they sat in the passenger car across from an elderly couple.
“Are you all right?” Sam asked with concern.
“Yes. I just haven’t done much over the last week and running in these skirts is not easy,” she whispered.
He took her hand and kissed her fingers. “If you need anything, you let me know.”
She grinned. “I will.”
“I don’t believe I have ever seen a more beautiful bride.”
She beamed up at him. “You might be slightly biased.”
“Not at all. You’re the most beautiful woman on earth.”
“And you are the most handsome man on earth.” She leaned against him. “How did you pull all this off?”
Sam grinned. “Sophie.”
Rayne picked a nonexistent piece of lint from her skirts. “What will your parents say?”
“It doesn’t matter, Angel.”
She glanced up at him. “I don’t want to be the reason you’re estranged from them, Sam.”
“We won’t ever be estranged from them, Rayne. We’ll work it all out, but you are my family and my priority. My parents will either have to accept that, or stay silent.”
“I don’t deserve you,” she whispered.
“You might not think that when we disagree, but for now, you’re exactly where you should be.”
She leaned against the window. “What’s the plan for today?”
“I have booked a room at the hotel in the city for the night. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to Quincy’s. My home is in Maryland, close to Christopher’s parents. We’ll go there as soon as I have this mess at the prison sorted out.”
“I never thought of you with a home.” Rayne raised an eyebrow.
“Why not?”
She shrugged. “You just seem to show up wherever I am.”
Sam chuckled. “I’m sorry it’s going to be chaotic for a little while.”
She grinned. “I don’t mind. Especially if I get you tonight.”
Their conversation was interrupted as the porter came by for their tickets. Rayne ended up falling asleep on Sam’s shoulder and was surprised when he woke her.
“We’re here, Angel.”
She yawned. “Sorry. I didn’t realize I was so tired.”
“Don’t apologize. I love having my wife’s beautiful cheek resting on my shoulder.”
She giggled. “That sounds so alien to me.”
“You’ll get used to it.” He kissed her cheek. “Wife.”
“Okay, husband. I’d like to be ravished,” she whispered. “Where is this hotel?”
They walked the short distance to the hotel and Sam checked them in. He took the key and led her up to their room.
Rayne frowned. “What am I going to do about clothes? I didn’t bring anything.”
“You won’t need clothes,” he whispered as he brought her palm to his lips.
She raised her eyebrow at him as he unlocked the door. Bending down, Sam lifted her into his arms and she gasped as he carried her into the room. The fireplace was lit, but that was the only source of light, which created a romantic glow. Chocolate-covered strawberries rested on a crystal tray in the corner of the room, along with a bottle of champagne and a gift box with a note on it addressed to her.
Sam chuckled. “It would appear that Victoria and Hannah have been here.”
“You didn’t organize this?”
Sam shook his head. “I wish I could take credit. I sent Christopher a wire with my plans, but no requests. The ladies must have taken it upon themselves to do all of this.”
Rayne opened the note on the box addressed to her and giggled.
Sam tried to peek over her shoulder. “What does it say?”
“Nothing you need to know right now,” she said mysteriously. “Could you help me with my corset, please?”
“Gladly.” He unbuttoned her gown and kissed her neck as he unlaced her corset for her.
“Stay here. I’ll be right back,” she promised.
She walked into the adjoining dressing room and opened the box Victoria had left for her. Inside was a set of twenty-first century underwear. A sapphire blue demi-bra lay inside, along with a matching pair of bikinis. She dressed quickly, and although the bra was just slightly too small, pushing her breasts a little higher than she was used to, she knew it would have the desired effect on Sam.
Inching the door open, she gasped to see her husband standing by the window shirtless and looking god-like in just his tight-fitting breeches. The muscles on his back rippled as he reached up with both hands to pull the draperies closed.
“Don’t turn around.” Hearing him chuckle as she walked into the room, she stood for a minute and took a deep breath. “Okay, you can turn around now.”
Sam turned and looked as though he might jump out of his skin. “Angel,” he whispered.
“Do you like it?”
His gaze swept her body. “I love it, but what is it?”
“It’s what we wear at home.”
He advanced on her. “What do you mean?”
Rayne rested her hands on her hips. “These are our undergarments.”
His eyes widened. “Do you wear them under the corset?”
“The corset is no longer used.”
“Never?”
Rayne chuckled. “Well, no, not never. Lingerie is a big business, so you can get a corset if you want one, but everyday wear is this.”
He whistled. Moving to stand in front of her, he cupped her cheek and leaned down to kiss her quickly. “You are exquisite.”
She ran her hands over his chest. The dusting of sandy blond hair that covered it disappeared below the waistband of his breeches and the feel was heady on her palm.
“So are you.” She pulled his head down for another kiss.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and cupped her bottom before leading her to the bed.
Placing her gently on the mattress, Samuel slid the straps of her bra down her arms, pushing the cups away from her breasts, drawing one nipple into his mouth, then the other. Rayne moaned as his hand slipped between her legs, sliding her panties aside, his thumb finding her sensitive nub and working it while he slipped a finger inside her, then two.
“Sam,” she breathed.
Sliding her panties from her body, he moved his mouth from her nipples and, kneeling in front of her, he pushed her legs open, kissing the inside of her thighs. Rayne squirmed as Sam moved lower, and then his mouth was on her and she lost her mind. She wove her fingers into his hair as he worked her body into a frenzy.
“Come for me, Angel,” he ordered, then went back to his task.
Rayne panted, tiny moans escaping her as the orgasm built and then she climaxed, calling his name as her body came. Samuel kissed her inner thigh again and focused back on her breasts as he slipped his hand between her legs. “So wet already.”
She nodded with a whimper as he slid one finger, then two inside of her, returning his mouth to her breast. Rayne slid her hands into his hair and gripped tight, arching her hips in an attempt to get closer to him. “Sam, don’t make me wait.”
He removed his hand and she groaned in frustration, but he didn’t leave her hanging for long. He settled his body between her legs and slid slowly inside of her. Rayne wrapped her legs around his hips in an effort to get closer.
“You’re tight,” Sam rasped. “Are you all right?”
“God, yes, baby. Harder.”
He grinned, kissing her as he slammed into her. Rayne reached for his bottom and squeezed, arching into him, urging him to continue… and continue, he did. Burying himself deeper and deeper until she could barely breathe.
Rayne tried to pay attention, but his hands and mouth were making it impossible to concentrate. Her last coherent thought was how entirely loved she felt. Sam’s body locked just as Rayne’s climax overtook her and couldn’t quite stop the tears as he pulled her close.
He tipped her face up to look at him. “Angel, what’s amiss? Did I hurt you?”
“No. It was amazing.” She wiped her tears with the sheet. “I just didn’t expect that.”
“You didn’t?”
She shook her head into his shoulder. “No. It was never like that before. Ever.”
He stroked her cheek. “Like what?”
“Loving. Reverent and so, so good.” She ran her fingers down his chest. “Was it all right for you?”
“I must admit I was not prepared for that, either.” He kissed her cheek. “It’s been a long time.”
“What do you mean?”
“I hear a few of the men talking about their conquests, or their wives, and they complain. Even Crow is growing bored and he’s neither married nor at a loss for women.” He ran his hands down his face, realizing he’d said too much. “Don’t ever repeat that to him.”
She grinned. “I won’t. I promise.”
He pulled her close. “When you walked out in those undergarments, I was certain I might die and be all right with death in that moment.”
Rayne reached over and rubbed his jaw. “Well, I wouldn’t have been okay with your death in that moment. I want at least fifty years of this.”
“I’ll be happy to oblige, Angel.” He leaned over and kissed her. “You must tell me about your skin markings.”
“My tattoos? Do you hate them?”
“Not at all.” He slid his hand over the curve of her waist. “They’re very well done.”
Rayne followed his finger as he traced it over the frog playing drums on her hip. “This one is a famous cartoon frog. His name is Michigan J. I decided to have him playing drums because it’s an instrument I can’t master.”
“Why is he famous?”
Rayne settled her head in her palm. “The frog will perform for one person, but when a crowd is around, he just sits there like a frog. I always identified with him, because performing in front of Shaye was easy, but I always got nervous singing in front of a crowd.”
He flattened his hand on her hip. “Truly?”
“Yes. Not so much now, but when I first started, definitely.”
He reached behind her shoulder. “What about the Pegasus?”
“That one’s simple. I’ve always wanted to fly away and escape.”
He raised an eyebrow. “And now?”
“In a sense, I did fly away, didn’t I?” She chuckled. “And now, I want to stay here with you.”
“Good answer.” He stroked her stomach. “What is the ring in your navel for?”
“I got it the same day I got my nose ring. I don’t know why. I just liked them.” She smiled and sat up. “You’re accepting all of this really well. Why is that?”
He stared at her briefly and took a deep breath. “It’s all strange, Rayne, I won’t lie. I’m uncertain how all of this happened and why. But I love you. More than life. So the things I cannot explain don’t mean anything.”
“I’m about to express myself again.” She leaned over and kissed him. “Can you tell what I’m saying now?”