AS THEY STEPPED outside, Victoria noticed Andrew and Gwen standing with Crow and another man she didn’t recognize. He was fair-haired and she deduced he was Samuel, as Andrew scowled at him while he hugged Gwen.

Quincy held her firmly and smiled down at her. “Victoria, this is Samuel Powell and our good friend, Crow. He’s the one who found you.”

“I remember.” She shook Sam’s hand and then smiled at Crow, who had clasped his hands behind his back. “Thank you for finding me.”

Crow nodded.

“What are you two doing now?” Sam asked.

“Rocky needs to be ridden,” Quincy said.

“Ah, the watchdog.” Sam grinned. “Crow informed me of the unusual animal.”

“Why is he unusual?” Victoria asked.

“Rocky helped lead us in the right direction,” Quincy said.

“He did?”

Quincy nodded. “Yes, he did. We would have gone west, but he wouldn’t allow me to ride him that way.”

“Well, he’s perfect,” Victoria said with a smile.

“Mr. Butler!” The group turned to see one of the stable boys running toward them. “He’s crazy, sir. He’s trying to kick the door down.”

Quincy glanced down at her. “Perfect, you say?”

“I’ll get him,” Victoria said, and rushed to the barn.

“Rebel, wait!” She slowed as breathing became difficult and leaned against Quincy, who had caught her gently around her waist. “Sweetheart, no sudden movements.”

“Right... I forgot,” Victoria groaned.

She moved into the stable, calling Rocky’s name. He whinnied and immediately calmed. She opened the stall door and he followed her outside.

Quincy took the bridle from the stable hand. “Go ahead and saddle Lightning for me, Robbie. I’ll saddle Rocky.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Quincy frowned as he stood next to Rocky and slipped the reins over his head. “I’m not comfortable with this, sweetheart.”

Victoria held her palm open and smiled as Rocky gently took the sugar from it. “I’m fine. We’ll go slow.”

Once the horses were tacked up, they mounted and took off toward the ridge. Quincy led her through the grove of trees, and as the forest cleared they came upon a small lake. The horizon was mirrored off the glistening water, and with the soft breeze, the water had a slight ripple on the surface.

Victoria gasped. “This doesn’t look real! I feel like I’m staring at a painting.”

Quincy nodded. “It’s one of our favorite places. I think we have all used this place to escape at some point.”

“How many of your ladies have you shared this with?”

Quincy rolled his eyes. “Just you, Rebel.”

She slid off Rocky’s back and waited for Quincy to dismount. Gathering their picnic supplies, they laid the blankets on the ground and stretched out in front of the lake. Quincy pulled her into the curve of his shoulder and Victoria raised her chin to kiss his cheek. “Heaven.”

Quincy stroked her hair and kissed her temple. “I agree.”

All of a sudden, Rocky stuck his nose in between the couple. Reaching up to stroke his muzzle, Victoria laughed at the intrusion. “Hi, boy.”

Quincy chuckled. “I never thought a horse would come between us.”

Victoria pushed him away. “Okay, boy. Out.”

Rocky moved away from the couple and Quincy pulled her close again. “Are you ready to go home?”

“Already?” She slid her hand across his stomach. “We just got here.”

He paused for a few minutes and then said, “Not back to the farm. To D.C.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow.” Victoria sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees. He sat up and stroked her back. “Is it too soon for you, sweetheart?”

She laid her cheek on her knees. “I don’t know if it’s too soon. The thought of being alone in a house while you’re away at work makes me feel a little nervous.”

“Would you rather stay here?”

“Not necessarily,” she said frustrated.

“What do you want, sweetheart?”

“I want to feel safe again,” she snapped and jumped to her feet.

Quincy ran his hands through his hair and watched her pace. She bit her lip and glanced down at him. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

“I know,” he said with a smile. “Clayton and Emma live close by, and Andrew and Gwen live two doors down.”

“But won’t Gwen and Andrew be leaving?”

He stood and held his hand out to her. “Not for a few weeks. Gwen and Emma will both be at your disposal.”

She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I guess that’s something.”

“We’ll figure this out, Victoria.”

“I know we will. I trust you. But in the meantime, can we please stay with your parents for an extra day?”

He kissed the crown of her head. “Of course we can.”

“Thanks.”

They lingered at the lake for several hours, although, not much conversation happened. Victoria was quiet and sullen, and grateful Quincy left her to her thoughts.

Arriving back at the stables, Quincy lifted Victoria from Rocky’s back.

“I can actually get off a horse, Gus.”

“But then I wouldn’t have an excuse to wrap my arms around you.”

Victoria smiled. “You never need an excuse.”

Rocky let Quincy remove his tack and then Victoria led him back into his stall, spent time rubbing him down, and gave him a few extra sugar cubes.

Quincy peeked over the stall door. “Don’t overtax yourself, sweetheart.”

“I need to be busy, Gus, and Rocky deserves some extra attention. He did come to my rescue.”

“All right. Let me help, then.”

He entered the stall and Victoria handed him a brush. They spent several minutes brushing Rocky down and Victoria giggled when she saw the horse’s eyes droop. “He’s the most spoiled horse alive.”

“I believe you are correct. However, it’s now time to go, Rebel.”

“Okay,” she said, and turned to Rocky. “Be a good boy.”

Quincy chuckled. “I’m not certain that’s possible, sweetheart.” He held the door for her and then took her hand as they walked back to the house. “I want you to rest, and I’ll wake you for dinner.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Plan our trip home, sweetheart. It’s time.”

“Okay, fine,” Victoria said with a sigh.

“Do you want me to come up and help?”

Victoria shook her head. “Go and relax, Gus. Have a drink and I’ll see you in a few hours.”

* * *

Quincy watched Victoria ascend the stairs before searching for his brother. He found Christopher and the rest of the men in his father’s office, so he joined them for a drink and an uninterrupted conversation.

“You’ll stay with us, of course,” Christopher said. “For as long as you need.”

“I appreciate that.” Quincy sat heavily in one of the chairs facing the desk. “Although, living with you again might be somewhat of an annoyance.”

“If you irritate me, I’ll simply put you on the streets,” Christopher said with a laugh.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

Christopher raised an eyebrow. “And why is that?”

“You’re afraid of Hannah.”

“We’re all afraid of Hannah,” Jamie retorted. “I trained her and I know what she’s capable of.”

“Trained her?”

Jamie nodded. “Hannah’s trained in a fight style called Mixed Marshal Arts. She can bring a man twice her size to his knees and he won’t know what hit him.

Jamie gave a more in-depth description of MMA, even showing Quincy a few moves. Quincy relaxed into easy banter and was disappointed when his mother informing them dinner would be served shortly interrupted their conversation. He made his way upstairs to wake Victoria and was surprised to find her already awake and sitting on the bed by the window.

“Hi,” she said.

“Did you sleep?” He climbed onto the bed next to her.

She nodded. “For a little while, I think. I’m just not particularly tired.”

“Dinner will be served shortly. Are you up to joining everyone?”

“Yep. I just need help with my corset.”

Quincy pulled her up from the chair. “I can do that, I think.”

“Not too tight, though.”

“Are you in pain?”

“A little. I pulled something when I jumped on Millicent.” She lowered her eyes. “The ride probably didn’t help either.”

“Victoria,” Quincy growled.

“I’m fine, honey. I promise.”

As he helped her dress, he let her in on the plan for their trip. Once she was ready, they made their way downstairs to enjoy dinner and then another rousing game of Pictionary.

* * *

Waking early on the morning of their trip home, Victoria rolled over and kissed Quincy’s chest. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?”

“Like the dead. You?”

“The same,” he said, and pulled her close to him.

She slid her hand under the sheet. “How much time do we have?”

“Enough,” he said, and kissed her.

His kiss intensified, just as someone knocked on their door.

“Seriously?” she groaned.

“Perhaps we don’t quite have enough time,” he complained as he rolled out of bed and pulled his pants on. He went to the door and edged it open. It was Jacob.

“Sorry to wake you, but Rocky’s giving the hands a rough time of it and he won’t let anyone near him.”

“All right, Jake, we’ll be down in a minute.” He closed the door and turned back to the bed. “I’m regretting ever buying that animal for you.”

Victoria giggled as she climbed out of bed. “I’m not. Come on, honey. Let’s go take care of the pet. We’ll pick this up later.”

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his chin, then they dressed quickly and made their way down to the stables. She opened the stall door and stepped inside. “You are getting your way entirely too much, Rocky,” she crooned as she handed him a sugar cube.

“Why don’t you bring him out of there, Victoria. He can roam for a little while before we leave.”

“Okay,” she said, and didn’t bother with a halter.

Rocky followed her outside and then the couple went inside to eat breakfast before the trip.

“What was all the commotion about?” Clayton asked.

“Rocky didn’t want to be in his stall anymore,” Victoria answered.

“Bags are loaded,” Jacob said as he walked into the room and interrupted their conversation.

“I suppose we should go then,” Christopher said.

The group filed outside and climbed into the carriage after they secured Rocky to the back. They took off for the train station and Victoria gripped Quincy’s hand as though she might lose him. He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it.

“Everything’s going to be fine,” he whispered.

“How are you feeling, Victoria?” Hannah asked Victoria.

Victoria smiled. “Much better today. How’s the baby?”

“He’s fine,” she said as she laid her hands on her belly.

“He?” Christopher asked.

“Yes, I’ve decided he will be a boy,” Hannah said, and Victoria laughed.

“What if it’s a girl, Hannah?”

Hannah snorted. “It won’t be a girl.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow. “You know, Hannah, there is a fifty-fifty chance it’ll be a girl.”

“I don’t know what to do with a girl!” Hannah exclaimed. “It just can’t be a girl.”

Christopher chuckled as Hannah leaned against him.

“If it’s a girl, we’ll simply keep trying for a boy,” he promised.

The carriage pulled up at Camden Station and the group climbed down. Jamie and Sophie would be on a different train, back to Harrisburg, and the couple said good-bye before heading to the opposite platform. Quincy led Victoria and Rocky to the stable car. Rocky was much calmer this time around and Victoria felt much more comfortable about leaving him.

“It’s a shorter trip, Rebel, so he’ll be fine.”

“Rocky does seem much more calm. He’s not around, so he can’t hurt us anymore.”

Quincy kept his hand gently, but firmly on her back. The signal for ‘all aboard’ sounded and Quincy led her to join the rest of the family.

Hannah pulled her down next to her and squeezed her hand. “Are you okay?”

Victoria nodded. “Actually, I feel much more settled.”

“Good.” Hannah smiled. “I can’t wait to see your place.”

“Me neither. Quinn thinks it’ll be a complete wreck.”

“Really? Why?”

Victoria sighed. “He hasn’t been in it since the war started and he’s had tenants.”

“I guess that makes sense. But you never know. You could be pleasantly surprised.”

Victoria crossed her fingers. “Fingers crossed.”

“Either way, it’ll be fun having you stay for a while,” Hannah said. “Anything you want to do in the next few weeks?”

“I want an in-depth tour of the city,” Victoria said. “I remember going there as a kid, but I want to see the differences.”

“Deal. Christopher might let me out on occasion, provided I take it very easy.”

Obviously hearing his name, Christopher looked over at her with a smile.

“My word, he’s breathtaking,” Hannah whispered.

Victoria giggled. “I suppose he’s okay. I like my Butler better.”

Hannah grinned. “Cute.”

“So, what’s your schedule going to be then?”

“Three mornings or afternoons a week, no more.”

Victoria widened her eyes. “That’s it?”

“Yep. But, if you’re with me, I’m okay with that,” Hannah said. “As much as I love my job, I really took it so I wouldn’t be home alone all day and could be closer to Christopher.”

“Maybe we should start a charity. Isn’t that what the rich did in the olden days?”

Hannah laughed. “I actually really like that idea, Victoria. Let’s think about it seriously.”

“About what?” Emma cut in once she separated herself from Clayton and sat next to the girls.

“Starting a charity,” Hannah said.

“Ooh, good idea.” Emma rubbed her hands together.

“You could be in charge of food services,” Hannah quipped.

“No, that wouldn’t work. She’d eat all the food!” Victoria said with a laugh.

“You could be in charge of teaching English as a second language,” Emma said to Hannah.

“Was that your comeback?” Hannah snorted.

“What do you expect? I’m pregnant! I can’t think as quickly right now.” The girls giggled as Hannah pointed to her own large belly. Emma huffed. “Okay, fine. I’m just not as quick as you, apparently.”

“That’s all I needed to hear,” Hannah said.

The girls continued to plan as the train pulled into the station. When the all clear was given, Quincy and Victoria went to collect Rocky, who was perfectly calm, although obviously happy to see her.

“Ready?” Quincy asked her.

“Yes. Are we going to your townhouse first?”

“You mean, our townhouse?”

Victoria grinned. “Right. Yes, our townhouse.”

“I thought we’d get settled at my brother’s first, but if you’d like to do that later, we can.”

“I would, Gus. I want to see what we’re up against.”

He chuckled. “All right, sweetheart. We’ll go after lunch.”

“Thank you.”

They led Rocky to where Clayton’s man waited with a large carriage.

“Victoria, this is Walter. He’s ornery and wonderful,” Emma said. “His wife, Hattie, is the only one who can keep him in line.”

Victoria smiled and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise, Mrs. Butler.”

The men loaded the bags onto the carriage and then climbed in with the girls. The trip was quick and Victoria was disappointed that she didn’t get a chance to see much of the city.

“Victoria, we thought we’d put you and Quincy in the room you were in before. It’s larger, and faces the carriage house, so it’ll be quieter, and within shouting distance of Rocky,” Hannah said.

“Sounds good to me. I loved that room.”

Victoria led Quincy upstairs and once they were settled, they sat down for a quick lunch.

“Will you come with us to see the house today?” Victoria asked.

Hannah snorted. “You couldn’t keep me away, Victoria.”

“We should probably get over there while the light is good. We’ll want to see if there’s much damage,” Quincy said.

“Can we ride?” Victoria asked.

“If you like.”

“We’ll follow in the buggy,” Christopher said.

The couples changed and tacked up the horses. Quincy assisted Victoria onto Rocky’s back and then led her to her new home... less than three blocks from his brother’s home.

Victoria rolled her eyes. “We could have walked, Gus.”

“But, you wanted to ride.”

“Yes and I still want to.”

“I’ll take you out after we’re done here,” he promised.

“Okay,” she said, and jumped down.

She gazed up at a brick home that looked surprisingly neat. “It’s beautiful, Gus.”

Moving closer to the house to investigate the façade, Quincy furrowed his brow in concentration. “Yes, the outside doesn’t look too bad.”

Pulling the key from his pocket, he unlocked the door and then surprised his wife when he lifted her into his arms. “It’s tradition, Rebel,” he responded.

Victoria gasped as he carried her into the foyer and she took a moment to look around her. “Oh, honey.”

Quincy swore as he gently set her on her feet. “It’s a disaster.”

“No, it’s not a disaster, Gus. It just needs to be painted and fixed up. It looks as though the people took care of it. It just has some wear and tear.”

The floors would need to be sanded and there was wallpaper peeling off the walls, but it looked to Victoria as though the damage was all superficial. They turned when they heard Christopher whistle from behind them. “What a mess.”

Hannah smacked his arm playfully. “It’s not a mess, Knight. It just needs a woman’s touch.”

“Exactly!” Victoria agreed.

Hannah settled her hands on her hips and turned slowly. “Give us a month and the four of us will have this place sparkling.”

“Three weeks?” Victoria said.

Hannah nodded. “Yes, three weeks.”

“Four of you?” Quincy asked.

“Gwen’s not getting off the hook,” Hannah said. “Neither is Emma.”

“Exactly,” Victoria said with a smile.

“You’re not doing any work, Hannah,” Christopher said.

“I’ll supervise.” She smiled up at him. “From a very soft chair.”

Quincy led them on a quick tour and then Christopher informed them he was taking Hannah home. “Dinner’s at seven and the Maddens will be joining us, so we’ll see you then.”

“Thanks, Chris,” Quincy said, and walked them out.

Once he closed and locked the front door, he turned to face Victoria, who threw herself into his arms and kissed him. Quincy pulled her close. “What’s that for?”

“This. I love our home, Gus. It’s perfect.”

He kissed her again. “So, you are happy with the home? Do you desire to keep it?”

“Yes. It’s gorgeous. I’m at peace here, honey. I feel safe.”

He smiled. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

“Now, before we go for our ride, can we do something?”

“Of course.”

“I want to christen our bedroom,” she said, and began to lead him up the stairs.

“There is no bed, Victoria.”

“So?”

Laughing, he followed her up the stairs, and she smiled as he opened the door to their room and turned to remove his jacket.

Here she was, about to make love to the most wonderful man on earth. People who loved her surrounded her, and she felt accepted on a level she’d never experienced before.

She sent up a silent prayer of thanks and then turned back to the business at hand.

Life was perfect.