Restless Heart Page 17

  After the grave was filled in, Jessup pulled out a wooden cross he’d made.

  “I know Michael didn’t want nothing fancy, but I carved him something.” Jessup put the cross in place and pounded it into the ground. Each hammer swing echoed around them as if the world was grieving with them.

  “Thank you, Jessup.” Sam shook his hand after the older man finished. “I know he would’ve appreciated it.”

  Jessup took the wagon and offered to put Cab back in his stall. Everyone left the cemetery except Sam and Angeline. She wasn’t sure if he needed her there or not, but she wasn’t about to leave just yet. The wind blew his dark hair as he stood beside his father’s grave. Sam was murmuring again, and she stood there patiently, waiting for her husband.

  He pulled out a knife from a scabbard in his boot she didn’t know he had. Before she could ask him what he was doing, he pried a large chunk of the cross open and slipped the sparrow feather into the opening.

  He glanced up at her with his dark gaze unreadable. “I want to make you a part of this. Will you trust me?”

  She nodded, unsure of what he was doing, but what she did know was that he was saying goodbye to his father. He rose to his feet and walked toward her with the knife. Angeline knew no fear—she loved Sam and he loved her. He reached for her hair and cut off a lock near her hairline, then he did the same to his own hair.

  Angeline watched as he braided the two together, blond and black weaved into one. He’d obviously braided hair before judging by the speed at which he completed it. With a knot she didn’t recognize, he looped the two ends together until they were a perfect circle.

  Sam went back to the grave and slid the circle onto the cross until it fit perfectly right over the spot where the sparrow feather was. He’d made both of them a part of the family, together with his parents, a talisman or sorts.

  She didn’t know much about what he was doing, but it touched her heart deeply. This man believed in family, in loving and respecting those within his circle, even after death. She had always known loyalty to God and church first, the ward second, and family a distant third. It wasn’t wrong; it was just different. Angeline understood that now.

  Being born into the LDS church had simply been fate, but neither she nor her sister Eliza had been meant to be a part of that church. Angeline had always believed God would show her the right path when the time was right and He had.

  Sam pulled her into an embrace, and they stood together on the hill. The wind whistled through the trees, a mournful sound, as if the earth was grieving along with them.

  Sam and Angeline made their way home slowly. He told her stories of his father, giving her a picture of what had been a good man. She laughed and gasped, cried and listened, as her husband dealt with his father’s death in his own way.

  As they stepped inside, Angeline heard noises from the kitchen. She looked up at Sam, but he didn’t seem to be worried. They walked in to find Lettie cooking and Jessup sitting at the table with clean hands and a scowl.

  “Lettie, what are you doing here?” Angeline hugged her quickly. “I’m so glad to see you.” She’d been worried about her friend and how she handled Michael’s death. It had been an emotional storm they’d both lived through.

  “He didn’t tell you, did he?” Lettie leaned against the sink and folded her arms, her gaze locked with Sam’s.

  “Tell me what?”

  Sam glanced at Jessup and Lettie. “I invited Lettie to live here with us. She’s family.”

  Angeline smiled as she realized she would have part of her old family be with her new family.

  She leapt into Sam’s arms and kissed him hard. “Thank you.”

  His arms closed around her, and he stuck his nose in her neck, tickling her as he breathed in her scent. “You’re welcome.”

  “Ahem, there are other people in the room, and this stubborn old man is one of them.” Lettie waved a wooden spoon at Jessup. “He washed the dirt off his hands, fortunately, but he won’t change out of the dirty clothes. I don’t serve supper to folks in dirty clothes.”

  Her brown gaze narrowed as did Jessup’s. Angeline held back a chuckle as they faced each other like a hen and rooster determining who ruled the roost.

  “I told you, I ain’t got no clothes but these. I ain’t running around buck nekkid in front of everyone.” Jessup slurped the coffee noisily. “That there stew smells good, and this hag’s been torturing me with it.”

  Before Angeline could tell him not to call Lettie a hag, her friend surprised her by laughing. In the entire time she’d known Lettie, Angeline had never heard her laugh once. She stared at the older woman in astonishment.

  “Hag, hm? I’ll accept that nickname if I can call you old fart.” Lettie smiled at Jessup, and her entire face lit up. “But you still have to have clean clothes to sit at my table.”

  Angeline turned to Sam and saw the same shock on his face. Whatever had happened to Lettie had allowed her to shed the cloak of darkness she’d carried for so long. Lettie looked years younger than her own thirty years. She looked free.

  “Jessup, you’re about the same size as Pa. I think he’d be pleased if you’d put his clothes to good use.” Sam pointed upstairs. “Let’s go on up and sort it out while the ladies take care of supper.”

  “I don’t take no charity, but seeing as how they was Michael’s things, I think you’re right. He was a good man and gave me stuff all the time.” Jessup rose from the table, and after one more glare in Lettie’s direction, left the room with Sam.

  Angeline had never had such a unique family before, but she knew their lives would never be dull, and she’d never stop loving all of them. She shook her head at Lettie. “Old fart?”

  Lettie laughed again, and Angeline joined in. The healing process had begun.

  Sam felt like there was a big hole in his heart, one that pulsed and ached with every breath he took. He missed his father so much that only by keeping busy, and doing what he needed to do, was he able to keep the most intense pain away.

  Angeline was his anchor whether or not she knew it. As they ate stew together with their two new family members, it was her smile that kept him from howling to the heavens. He’d never expected to lose his father so quickly, and at the same time gain the woman he loved. It had been a bittersweet day.

  “I need to go outside.” Sam rose to his feet abruptly, startling everyone. “I’m sorry, Angel.”

  He left the house quickly, barely pausing to grab his coat as he stepped out into the evening air. Sam took a deep breath, and then another. He wasn’t surprised to feel a small hand at his back. Somehow, he’d known Angeline would follow him.

  “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice low and hard.

  “You were there by my side when I needed you. Do you think for one moment I won’t be there when you need me?” She slipped her hand into his. “Let’s go to the lake.”

  Just like that, he realized Angeline had given him the exact destination he’d been searching for. They walked silently down the street. Angeline managed to nod or wave at folks who spoke to them, giving Sam the opportunity to simply ignore everything around him.

  He had been a young man when his mother had died, and her death had devastated him. With his father’s help, they had recovered from her loss. Now, he had lost his father, and he knew the spirits had seen fit to give him Angeline to walk by his side.

  However, before he could start his life with her, he had to be able to say goodbye to his father and grieve for him. Sam should know what to do, but he was lost, and it was a difficult thing to admit to himself.

  When they arrived at the lake, Sam felt the tightness in his chest easing a bit. The setting sun left an orange glow on the water, turning it into a pool of cool fire. Sam closed his eyes and listened to the world around him.

  A cool breeze brushed past his face. Beside him, Angeline shivered, and he knew she felt the wind as well. Sam opened his eyes, walked toward the lakeshore, and sat down with his legs cr
ossed. Angeline did the same, although in a skirt, it was a bit more difficult.

  The grass was a bit damp beneath him, but Sam ignored any discomfort and focused on the water. The orange and red rippled across the small waves, almost dancing in front of him. Sam opened his mind and his heart to the world around him.

  At first, he wondered if his journey to the lake would help, if sitting in the cold grass would bring him the peace he needed. Then to his surprise, he started to hear something other than the wind.

  It was a low chant, a steady murmuring all around him, echoing in his ears and heart. He breathed slowly in and out, and with each breath, the knot deep within him unraveled bit by bit.

  Sam was awash in memories of his father, the good, the bad, the difficult and the joyful. He didn’t even realize he was crying until Angeline wiped his tears. She didn’t push him to speak or question him about what he was doing—she sat beside him and simply gave him her love.

  He didn’t know how long he sat there, but it was full dark before Sam finally felt peace. Perhaps it was the spirits guiding him, along with his mother, or perhaps it was just allowing himself to grieve. He wanted to believe he’d been guided to the lake. The spirits there had helped him find the peace he’d been seeking.

  Sam got to his feet and held out his hand to help Angeline up. She stared at him with her wide blue gaze, waiting for him to speak. His heart hiccupped at the love he felt for her, the pure connection they shared.

  “I love you, Angel.”

  She smiled widely, her beauty shining brightly in the deepening twilight. “I love you too, Sam.”

  He held her tight on the shore of the lake, with the breeze gently caressing them. The spirits around them seemed at peace.

  They quietly walked back to the house, although this time their silence was more at ease. Angeline didn’t know exactly what had happened, but whatever it was, Sam had allowed himself to grieve for his father. She thought she’d heard someone singing, a low chant that made her feel comfortable and at ease. Most men wouldn’t have grieved so openly, but Sam wasn’t most men.

  He was her husband.

  When they walked in, they found Lettie examining the newspaper equipment. She looked just a little guilty to be doing it, but Angeline was pleased to see Sam smile.

  “Tomorrow, we can talk about how this all works. It’s been a month or more since we published a paper. I’m sure everyone in town would appreciate it if we started up again.” He ran his hands down the side of the printing press. “My father would want someone like you to take over.”

  Lettie’s gaze snapped to Angeline then back to Sam. “What does that mean?”

  “It means I see passion in you, Lettie. You will put your heart and soul into this paper. You’re not the type of person to give half of yourself. I think my father will be pleased to see what you can do with it.” Sam kissed Lettie’s cheek. “I’m glad you agreed to be part of our new family.”

  Lettie looked at Angeline with her brows raised, speechless for the first time since they’d known each other.

  Angeline chuckled. “I think you’ve actually done what no one else has been able to do, Sam. You’ve shut her up.”

  Lettie threw a wadded-up paper at Angeline, and they both laughed. Sam raised his brows, and Angeline smiled at him.

  “I think it’s time to turn in for the night.” Lettie made her exit gracefully, leaving the two of them alone.

  Angeline’s heart sped up, and her body suddenly came alive. She walked toward Sam and cupped his cheek, his whiskers rough against her skin as her fingers explored his sharply planed face. Yes, he was beautiful. Her fingers found his lips, so full and sensual.

  “Mr. Carver.”

  “Mrs. Carver.”

  This time when they kissed, the darkness of the day slid away, leaving only the light that glowed between them. It made every small hair on her body rise along with her temperature.

  He was holding back; she could sense it. She ran her hands through his raven black hair. Her fingers continued their exploration to his neck, his quickened pulse visible through his smooth, golden skin. Slowly, she leaned over and placed her lips on that pulsing spot. Life.

  Sam groaned. She knew she was playing with fire, and she wanted to be burned.

  “Angel,” he murmured, his voice strained.

  “Hmmm?” she answered as she kissed his neck, making her way back to his lips. His jaw was set tightly as she tasted his salty skin.

  “Want to go to our new bedroom?”

  She didn’t answer. Looking into deep black eyes, she pressed her lips to his. It was a delicate woman’s kiss, but he responded. Her tongue ran the length of his lips. Sam growled deep in his throat.

  She deepened her kiss, letting her tongue invade his mouth. She unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands over his smooth chest. Unable to quell his own passions, Sam anchored his hand in her thick hair and kissed her back. The force of his passion enveloped Angeline. It was an endless kiss, as their tongues darted and teased. His hard chest felt like fire against her breasts. Unable to catch her breath, she grabbed his shoulders, feeling the muscles bunch as she touched him.

  “Upstairs.” His voice was husky with need.

  She smiled at him and pulled him toward the stairs and up to what was now their bedroom. With a wicked grin, he closed the door and began to undress.

  Angeline felt her mouth go dry as she watched her husband reveal his nude body. He was well-muscled and tan from the waist up. His chest was broad and sleek. From the waist down, he was as pale as milk, but still so beautiful. She couldn’t help but stare at his cock, her body was responding to the sight of his so readily.

  He took her into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers. Angeline moaned as Sam’s tongue entered her mouth. He pulled his lips away from hers and looked down into her face. His eyes held no secrets as they shone with passion and love.

  Sam lay down on the bed and waited for her, his expression full of hope. “How about you ride me tonight?”

  She stared at him, not really understanding what he was asking. “Ride you?”

  “Yes, honey, you climb on me and ride me.” He took his cock in hand and held it up straight. “Like a horse.”

  She blushed, unaware women and men did that kind of thing. In her experience, it was always the man on top, even with horses. However, the sight of his hard dick made her pussy even wetter. She was prepared to try anything with this man. He was her soul mate and much more.

  Angeline undressed slowly, giving Sam a show he wouldn’t forget. His cock twitched on more than one occasion as he watched her strip. As she cupped her breasts for him, she felt the power of his arousal and of her own surging through her. It was heady; it was wonderful.

  She approached the bed, eager for him to teach her. “What do I do?”

  “Climb on, honey. Spread your legs and guide me in.” He licked his lips as she straddled him.

  A shiver of longing raced through her as she felt the head of his cock nudging her entrance.

  “Now, it’s up to you how much and how long.” He held her hips and pulled down slightly, letting her feel the motion.

  Angeline braced herself on his chest and slowly lowered herself onto his erection. It was the most titillating experience of her life. She was in control—she had the ability to pleasure herself, and him, at the same time.

  With a saucy grin, she raised herself up, then lowered back down only an inch, then up, then back down an inch. He groaned and gripped her hips tighter.

  “You’re torturing me, Angel.” He didn’t pressure her to go faster or deeper—he simply thrust his hips up a bit with each downward stroke.

  Soon, Angeline had the rhythm and started riding him in earnest. He reached up and tweaked her nipples, sending tingles through her stomach and pussy. She decided it was a must to have him do the same thing each time she rode him.

  “God, you feel good.” He blew out a breath of choppy air. “I don’t think I’ll last much longer.�
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  Angeline closed her eyes and focused on the intensity of their joining, on the pleasure coursing through her. When his hand settled between her legs and flicked her nubbin, she jerked and let loose a groan of pure ecstasy.

  “Yesss…” She sounded like a snake. “Yes, Sam, yes.”

  He flicked her faster, and she fucked him faster. Harder and harder, she rode him as the sensations built to a crescendo. He shouted her name, coming nearly off the bed as he found his peak. She was seconds behind him, clutching his shoulders and slamming her mouth into his.

  Their tongues danced as her orgasm took over her body, wave after wave. His hand never left her pussy, drawing out her pleasure until she begged him to stop.

  Angeline slid off him, a boneless heap of woman. She didn’t resist when he tucked her under his arm and pulled up the quilt. It had been a mating, a joining of man and woman, heart and soul, mind and body.

  She loved him, and now, he was her husband.

  Chapter Eleven

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  Within a few weeks of the wedding, life returned to normal in Forestville. Angeline, Sam, and Lettie lived in the house together, although Jessup insisted on living in the barn until it got too cold. They were a happy family, if an unusual one.

  Lettie learned the publishing business quickly, taking over the paper and making it a monthly publication to give her time to gather stories. She was now devoted to being a newspaper person.

  Sam found work making new furniture for the Gundersons’ restaurant since some of their chairs needed replacing. He was outside behind the house with a planer, finishing the seats of the chairs, when Angeline stepped outside with a stranger.

  He stopped working and waited for them. Sam didn’t know who the man was, but he was wearing a fancy suit and even carried a case. The man looked like a lawyer.

  “Hey there, Angel. Did you make a new friend?”

  She shook her head and frowned. “He’s not here to see me. He asked for you. Mr. Bennington, this is my husband, Sam Carver.”