Her Heart's Desire NH2 Page 13

  “I thought you might like it. As soon as I saw it, I thought of you, and if you’ll notice, there are some flowers around it. It reminded me of our walks through your parents’ land where you said your favorite part of living in Omaha was being surrounded by flowers in the spring. I thought you could still have them around you.”

  Touched, she turned to him and smiled. “That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me, and I’m not just saying that because I don’t have to live in the same house with my brothers anymore.”

  He chuckled and motioned to the front door. “It doesn’t have much right now. We’ll need to buy more furniture. All it has right now are a bed, a kitchen table and chairs, and things to cook food with. Beyond that, I don’t know what you’ll want to put in there.”

  Thrilled she’d get a chance to decorate her own house, she rushed up the steps.

  “Wait!” he called out as he ran after her.

  She spun around and faced him. “What is it?”

  “I need to carry you over the threshold.”

  She giggled. “Of course. I forgot.”

  When he caught up to her, she put her arms around his neck and let him lift her into his arms. It felt just as heavenly to be in them as she imagined. He opened the door and carried her inside, giving her a quick kiss before he set her on her feet.

  “Let me light the lamp and you can tell me what you think,” he said. “It’s in the kitchen.”

  She nodded and accepted his hand as they walked down the dark hallway. “It’s a little spooky, don’t you think?” she asked, aware of the way their shoes echoed off the hardwood floor.

  “Don’t worry. I’m here to protect you.” He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close to his side.

  She playfully nudged him in the side. “You’re silly.”

  Laughing, he kissed her cheek. “Maybe, but don’t you feel better knowing I’m here to protect you?”

  She snuggled against him and nodded. “Much better. Thank you.”

  He led her to the table and let go of her so he could light the kerosene lamp. She turned her attention to the spacious kitchen which had plenty of room for a table and chairs. She scanned the wooden cupboards, the cook stove, the hooks and shelves lining the wall and the little room off to the side.

  Gasping, she grabbed Rick’s arm and led him to the small room. He held the lamp so she could see what the room had in it and squealed in delight. “It’s a pantry!”

  He grinned. “Do you like that?”

  “I love it! What does the rest of the house look like?” Before he could answer, she spun him around and led him out of the kitchen and back down the hall. To their left was an empty room that was the parlor. She led him into it and studied the room. “The window is lovely! It’s so big, too. Let’s put a chair by it. Then we can put a couch against this wall.” She motioned to the wall opposite the window. “We can put a table in front of the couch, another one by the chair, and… Oh! We can put another chair by the fireplace! That will be your chair so you can warm your feet on a cold winter’s day. Then we’ll need curtains and a rug and maybe some things to hang on the walls, and this room will yell out welcome to anyone who comes to visit!”

  He laughed. “You don’t have to decide where everything goes tonight.”

  “But this is fun. Isn’t it fun, Rick?”

  “Well, yes, I suppose so.”

  “Of course, it’s fun! I finally get my own house to decorate however I please. I never did care for the color curtains my mother put in the parlor, but here I can put a light blue color. Hmm… Maybe yellow. To match the house.”

  “You can decorate it however you want.”

  “Oh Rick, that’s so kind of you.” She kissed his cheek and headed for the entryway where her carpet bag was. Noting the doorway next to the stairs, she asked, “What is this room?”

  “That’s another room. You can put whatever you want in it.”

  “Really?” She walked through the doorway and inspected the space that was smaller than the parlor but still large enough to enjoy. She bit her lower lip and thought about what she might put in here. Then the perfect idea occurred to her. “Rick, you could use this room.”

  “Me?” He stood beside her.

  “Sure. You’re a judge. I’m sure you have law books you need to read or something. We can make this your room. You can have bookshelves for books, a desk, a chair, and anything else you want. It’ll be perfect for you.”

  “That does sound nice.”

  “It will be once we’re done putting furniture and curtains in here. Blue curtains, since you’re a man.”

  “Thank you, Sally. I’d like to have a room like that.”

  She smiled and turned back toward the doorway. “I want to see the upstairs. Maybe we should put yellow curtains all through the house. Or is that boring? Do you think we should have curtains of different colors in all the rooms?”

  He followed her up the stairs, holding the lamp so she could see as she climbed up the steps. “It depends on whether you like things to be the same or different.”

  “Maybe different. White for the kitchen, yellow for the parlor, blue for your den since you’re a man, green for the children’s bedroom… How many rooms are up here?”

  “Three.”

  She stopped at the top of the steps and thought for a moment. “White, yellow, blue, green… Maybe pink? No. What if we don’t have any girls? We can’t have them in a room with pink curtains. Maybe purple? Do you think purple is good for a boy’s room?”

  “We might have all girls. In that case purple and pink will be just fine.”

  “You’re right. But to be on the safe side, let’s put up purple in our room, and green and orange curtains for the children’s rooms. If we have a boy and a girl, we’re prepared.”

  “That sounds like a good plan, Sally.”

  She clapped her hands and studied the rooms that would one day be for their children. “This is so much better than I ever dreamed. I can’t believe I have my own house!” She glanced at him and laughed. “I mean our house.”

  He chuckled. “I know what you meant.”

  He walked over to where she stood at the doorway of what would one day be one of their children’s bedrooms and slipped his arm around her waist. He leaned forward and kissed her, and she melted in his arms. His lips were warm, his touch gentle, his body strong against hers. She couldn’t believe she was really here. She was sure if she pinched herself, she’d find out she’d been dreaming. But when he ended the kiss, she was still with him, and he was smiling at her in a way that told her he loved her. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world. And what was even better was knowing that she’d get to experience this for the rest of her life.

  He led her away from the doorway and to another room. “I think before you decorate the children’s bedrooms, you should decorate ours.”

  She peered into the room which only had a bed and a trunk in the corner of the room. “Are your things in there?”

  He nodded. “Until you pick out a dresser and wardrobe, they will be.” Taking her carpet bag from her, he crossed the room and placed it next to the trunk.

  She turned her attention to the window which faced north. “What a perfect place to put our bedroom. The sun won’t come directly in through the window in either the morning or evening.”

  “I assure you, I had nothing to do with that,” he teased.

  Amused, she went over to the window and saw that it looked out over the backyard. “Can you put in a fence? I’d like for our children to be able to play back there without running off. When my brothers and sister were younger, Ma and I had a terrible job keeping them from running off, and quite frankly, Richard and Tom weren’t any help.”

  “I can do that.”

  Content, she turned her attention to the rest of the room. “I think a wardrobe will go well over there.” She pointed to the wall adjacent to the one which had the window. “The dresser will go here.” She pointe
d next to the window. “We already know where the bed is. I suppose we’ll need a box stove come fall.”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” Rick placed the kerosene lamp on the trunk and dimmed the light. “We might not need a box stove. I can keep you warm.”

  She blushed at his meaning, and for the moment, she was glad the lamp’s light was dim enough so he didn’t see her face grow pink. She’d never been more relieved her mother took the time to explain what to expect on her wedding night.

  He went over to her, and she did her best to suppress her anxiety. She didn’t know why it hadn’t occurred to her sooner that getting married earlier would mean she’d be sharing a bed with him tonight. It must’ve been the house and the anticipation of making this her home where she’d tend to her husband and children. She took a deep breath and reminded herself that her mother told her this was something a woman could enjoy if the man was tender, and Rick was one of the most tender people she’d ever met. He’d never do anything to hurt her. The reminder settled her nerves a bit so that when he reached her, she was able to focus on his smile and the excitement in his eyes.

  He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. His lips were soft, a mere whisper on hers. She returned his kiss, her heart racing in nervous excitement, knowing this was only a foretaste of the consummation of their marriage. When he ended the kiss, she dared to make eye contact with him and smiled.

  He brushed her cheeks with his thumbs and whispered, “I’m glad you married me tonight.”

  Her face grew warm and she got ready to respond, but he brought his lips back to hers, and this time, the kiss was more passionate and more exciting. His hands left her face and traveled down to her shoulders and then her back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave into the need to get lost in his kiss. It was so much better than the kisses they’d shared at the park. This time when he kissed her, he kissed her as her husband. There was no pretending. He wanted to be with her, not Ethel Mae, and that made everything in being with him so much better.

  As he deepened the kiss, he brought one of his hands up the front of her shirt. She knew where he intended to touch her and drew slightly away from him so he could more easily touch her breast. He cupped her gently in his hand, as if afraid he’d hurt her. She let out a low moan as the pad of his thumb swept across her nipple, causing a spark to travel up and down her spine. Her mother had been right. She was going to enjoy this part of marriage, even if the first time was going to be a little uncomfortable when he entered her. But her mother had assured her it’d be just the first time.

  Rick parted his lips, and his tongue brushed hers. Surprised, she opened her mouth and felt his tongue as it interlaced with hers. His hand slipped to the buttons of her shirt, and she waited for him to unbutton it, eager for the feel of his hands on her bare skin. She ran her fingers through his hair, barely noting the silky strands as he fiddled with her top button. It took her a moment to realize he was having trouble. She ended the kiss and glanced at his hand.

  He sighed. “I’m afraid I’m not good at this.”

  “I’ll do it,” she whispered and proceeded to unbutton her shirt, even as she grew more and more nervous with each button she unfastened.

  Thankfully, he turned his attention to removing his own clothing. Since he wasn’t looking directly at her, she managed to slip out of the rest of her clothes which softly fell to the floor. Under ordinary circumstances, she’d neatly fold them or drape them on the back of a chair, but considering the fact that he was removing his underwear, she figured the clothes could wait. She slipped under the bedcovers and ventured a look in his direction, intrigued by how he looked naked. Her gaze went to his erection, but he joined her in bed before she got enough time to study him.

  His body was warm next to hers, and he brought her into his arms so he could kiss her again. Despite her nervousness, she relished the feeling of being wrapped in his embrace where she felt protected and loved. She noted the hairs on his chest against her breasts and the feel of his arousal pressing into her abdomen. She wanted to touch him, to fully explore him, but she didn’t dare, at least not this time. Everything was so new yet, and even if she’d been told what to expect, she couldn’t bring herself to do more than respond to him.

  He deepened the kiss, and his hands touched parts of her body she never imagined could tingle in excitement from another’s touch. He seemed intent on studying all of her, and she was more than happy to let him. Her flesh warmed under his caress, her nipples hardening when he brushed them with his fingers, tingles running up and down her spine as he stroked back.

  His tongue interlaced with hers, his earlier gentle kisses giving way to something more demanding, but she didn’t mind the intensity in his kiss. It was wonderfully exciting to be so consumed by him, to know he desired her so much he was touching and kissing her as if he couldn’t get enough of her. Who knew under Rick Johnson’s calm exterior was a man of intense passion?

  His mouth left hers and traveled down her neck. She shivered in delight and tightened her hold on him. He shifted against her, his erection now closer to the patch of curls between her legs. She gasped, knowing soon he’d be inside her, claiming her as his wife, but she didn’t know if she was more afraid or anxious to be filled by him. She was aware of the way her body was getting ready for him, the area between her legs aching and growing moist in anticipation. Her body’s response to him intrigued her as much as his body’s response to her.

  His mouth left her neck and traveled down her collarbone and then to her breast. She gasped and wiggled. He moaned and left a trail of kisses around her nipple before he centered on it and flicked it with his tongue. She murmured her appreciation and arched her back to grant him better access to her breasts. He took his time in kissing and fondling them, and the entire time he did, she groaned, enjoying the sweet torment he was putting her through. Yes, her mother had told her she’d like this, and while she hadn’t doubted her mother, she had no idea exactly what she meant.

  His hand went from her breast to her legs. Without prompting, she spread her legs for him. His fingers brushed the folds of her flesh, and she moved her hips to grant him better access to whatever he wanted. In response, he slid a finger into her and she squirmed in pleasure. Who knew that area of her body could feel so amazing? She gripped the sheet beneath her and murmured for him to continue so she could experience this bit of heaven even more.

  He complied by sliding another finger into her and stroking her core. He brought his lips to her ear and whispered her name while he continued to stroke her, building the tension inside her. Her hand went over his and she directed his thumb to her sensitive nub that begged to be fondled. He followed her lead and made circular motions over her nub. She was barely aware that he lifted his head so he could watch her. Even though a part of her felt self-conscious, he softly told her he’d never seen a more seductive sight, and knowing he was aroused by watching her made her more comfortable so she could focus on the mounting pleasure between her legs.

  His thumb worked faster on her sensitive nub, his fingers stroking her core. She rocked her hips, aiding him along as she worked her way to completion. She could definitely get used to doing this with him. Being in bed with him, discovering the pleasure inherent in their coming together as man and wife. She hoped it would never end, and yet, her body demanded she climax. Finally, when she thought she couldn’t take it anymore, she reached her peak and cried out in pleasure. It was wonderful. Utterly and completely wonderful, and she stayed suspended in the moment for as long as she could before she began her gentle descent back to Earth.

  He was already moving on top of her before she had time to understand what was going on. His arousal pressed against the part of her that marked her a virgin, and when he pressed through the barrier, she gave a slight groan, aware of the stinging sensation that she’d been told to expect. It wasn’t as bad as she feared, thankfully, and she appreciated the fact that he waited for her to adjust to him.

  He broug
ht his lips to hers and kissed her. “Sally?”

  Letting go of the sheet, she brought her hands to his waist and rocked her hips, a silent encouragement for him to keep going. He moaned in appreciation and brought himself almost all the way out of her before he gently eased back into her. This time it didn’t sting so much, so she worked with him, moving her hips in time with his as he got her body used to him.

  She appreciated the care he was giving her, and kissed his cheek to thank him. He whispered her name again and then moved faster, thrusting deeper inside her. She focused on the feel of him, taking note of how he filled her core and stroked the sensitive places within her that she hadn’t been aware of before now. She wrapped her legs around his waist so he could go even deeper, and soon after, his body grew taut as he let out a soft cry. He throbbed inside her, and she felt him spill his seed into her.

  Afterwards, he collapsed in her arms. She held him, happy to kiss his cheek and shoulder, loving the way his heart beat in time with hers. Though she was aware that he softened inside her, she loved that he remained there, prolonging the intimate connection she had with him. A couple minutes passed, and he lifted his head so he could kiss her, his lips gentle and warm. When the kiss ended, she sighed in contentment. Being here with Rick was like a dream come true, and the best part was that she’d get to spend the rest of her life with him.

  He eased himself from her and settled next to her. He brought her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. Resting his cheek against the top of her head, he murmured, “You’re the best thing that’s happened to me.”

  Smiling, she snuggled closer to him. “You’re the best thing that’s happened to me, too.”

  She remained awake in his arms, even after he drifted off to sleep. She replayed the day’s events in her mind, reliving every moment from the fear he’d never want to be with her to the thrill of finding out he did. She couldn’t wait to go to her family with him by her side as her husband. Sally Johnson. She repeated her new name to herself as she imagined what their future would hold. They’d have a couple of children, she was sure, and she’d be there to take care of him when he came home tired after a long day at work. With another contented sigh, she repeated her name to herself once more and then fell asleep.