This Loving Land - Dorothy Garlock [116]
“He must have loved my mother,” Summer spoke quietly. “I know she loved him even though she loved my pa, too.”
“Yes, I think he did love Nannie. I can see that now. He was probably the only man that ever rejected Ellen, and her love for him turned to hate.” He closed her eyes with his lips. “I love you so much. . . .” he whispered. “I wanted to die when you left me.”
She kissed his neck, his chin, his rough cheek. His head bent and he desperately sought her lips with his. The kiss lasted a long time and was full of sweetness.
She whispered endearments and sighed his name.
“My darling summertime girl, the time went so slow. I waited and waited for you to come. I hungered for the feel of you. I need your love. Don’t leave me again.” His humbled voice vibrated with emotion.
“Don’t talk about it. Please . . . don’t talk about it,” she implored.
They lay for a long while, close and silent. The campfire burned until only a few glowing coals remained. If Bulldog or Jack came back to the camp they never knew it. Slater turned on his good side and lay with his head on her breast. His bandaged hand fumbled with the opening of her dress.
“Help me,” he whispered huskily.
With trembling fingers, she opened her bodice and pressed his cheek to the soft skin of her breast. His lips kissed the smooth flesh while she brushed the dark hair back from his face and pressed her mouth to his forehead. It was so good to hold him. So wonderful to have the heavy burden lifted from her heart.
Long habits of concern are hard to forget, and she asked softly, “John Austin? Is he all right?”
“Fine,” he murmured against her neck. “Kid has brains he hasn’t used yet.”
Laughter bubbled up inside her. She wanted to talk now. She wanted to tell him everything.
“Ellen said you could be hanged if anyone found out about us being together. She called it incest. I didn’t know what it meant.”
“She had it all figured out. True to form right up to the last.”
“Her only thoughts at the last were for Travis.” She shivered and tightened her arms protectingly. “It was terrible to see her lying there, dying, and talking about Sam and my mother.”
“Sam once said that Ellen was more devil than woman. I guess he knew what he was talking about.”
Summer raised up suddenly, and Slater rolled over onto his back. She leaned over him so she could see his face.
“Slater,” she said softly. Her fingers went over his lips, traced the scar that was familiar to them. “Slater, I’ve news to tell you. News that will make you understand why I had to leave you and why Jesse helped me.” She kissed his lips, his scarred cheek. Her eyes smiled into his. “We’ve got to see a preacher and get a ring on my finger before I get any bigger.” Her violet eyes searched his face. At first, there was nothing; then a smile that started at the corners of his lips spread into a broad grin. The forearm across her back gripped her tightly, and it was his turn to whisper.
“You’re sure?”
“Positive!” Her eyes devoured his face.
“Don’t that beat all?” He couldn’t seem to stop grinning. When the shock had passed, he put an arm behind her head to pull her to him. “Damn these hands! I want to touch you, feel you.”
Her laugh was a soft purr of pure happiness. “I’ll touch you, feel you.”
“We’ll stop in Hamilton, love. That preacher will have to come out to the wagon. I’m marrying you tomorrow!”
“I don’t have a new dress,” she teased.
“You don’t need one,” he growled. “Hush your talking, woman, and lay here beside me . . . close to me. God, how I’ve missed you!”
“I’m afraid I’ll hurt you.”
“You’ll hurt me a hell of a lot more if you don’t. Come kiss me some more, sweetheart. Come kiss me and tell me you love me.” He nudged her hand until it lay on his chest. “Touch me,” he whispered,