Lily in Bloom (21 page)

Eric started pulling Lily into the group of sailors when a hand clamped down on her arm. She cried out and turned to see a Lieutenant Colonel Andrews, still on horseback, gripping her by the upper arm. He gave her a good yank but Eric held firm. Andrews growled and yanked harder. Lily felt like she was going to be ripped in two when one of the sailor’s fists came down like an anvil on Andrews forearm. Lily felt the strength of it, like steel, shoot through her own arm. Andrews cried out, almost falling off his horse, and immediately let go of Lily. Eric gave her a good tug and they were in the thick of the crowd of sailors.

Andrews’s voice pierced the night. “Lily, you can’t think that Sampson is a better option than me. I know you know what he is capable of.” Lily looked at Andrews. His face was twisted in pain and rage. His was a known accomplice of Colonel Kingsley. She chose to believe Eric’s story over that of gossip.

The group of sailors was moving toward the gangplank, taking Lily and Eric with them.

Eric bent down to Lily, his own face twisted in pain. “Don’t respond. It will only provoke him.”

She nodded as they moved up the plank and Eric turned to the Lieutenant Colonel.

“Until we meet again, Andrews.” Eric’s jaw was clenched, his face set in stone.

“You can count on it.” Andrews turned his horse and began riding back into the town. The rest of his soldiers followed suit.

Around her, the sailors sprang into action. In an almost dance, the men began tugging ropes and as the rigging whistled, great sails unfurled and caught the wind. She would breathe easier when they left the harbor.

Eric came into the room a few minutes later carrying two buckets of water. Two sailors came in behind him carrying buckets as well. She could have cried with joy at the thought of taking a bath. “We're leaving the harbor. While the Colonel has several shipping schooners as well, I don't think he'll lay chase by sea—unless he is running for his own life or leaving the country. But we'll keep an eye out.”

“Do you think James and Tom will be safe?” Lily felt the knot of fear tighten again at the thought of them in harm’s way.

“They'll be fine. Kingsley already knows our destination so Tom and James are of little use. Besides, your brother is in his home territory. He also knows plenty of sailors. It'll be very easy for easy for him to disappear.”

Lily nodded. Eric was right. Kennebunk was less than a day’s ride from Portland. One of many friends along the way could easily hide them. A tub was brought in and all of the water emptied into it. It looked delicious after the long day on the trail. The sailors left, closing the door and Eric walked over to her.

“Alone at last.” He smiled then kissed her lips. Lily, about to protest, began to lose herself in the kiss. He had that effect on her. She could feel him unbuttoning her shirt and slipping it off her shoulders. A small part of her told her that they should wait, that it wasn't good to continue down this path. She had wanted Eric to take her virginity. After what had happened with Slim, she didn't want to wait and take the chance that she could be kidnapped again. But it didn't seem right to do it again without being married. She had another problem, however, and that was being with him hadn't lessoned her desire for him. It seemed to have, in fact, made it stronger! Eric cupped one of her breasts stroking the nipple ever so slightly and she felt herself arch backwards and moan. Her arms wrapped around his neck. His hands slid down to her waist and then to the button on her pants.

“Wait.” She struggled out, trying to catch her breath. He quickly undid her button but he laughed softly.

“I thought you would want to take the first bath.” Lily pulled her head back to look at him and Eric’s eyes were dancing as he looked back down at her. “Worried I was going to compromise you again, huh? I thought this was what you wanted?”

He was making fun of her. “I said I wanted you to be the first man I was with,” she shot back. “How much longer until our wedding?” she struggled out. He was rubbing her nipples again and kissing her neck

“Maybe an hour,” he said as he took one of her nipples in his mouth. She gasped at the pleasure of it, completely losing her train of thought. She felt him cup her buttocks and realized that she was somehow completely naked while he stood fully dressed. She felt a tinge of embarrassment then the reality of his words sank in.

“An hour? What do you mean? Our wedding isn't for another...” she paused, unsure of how many days it had been since she left Boston.

He laughed again and lightly kissed her lips. “I am inclined to agree that it would be better to be married before we have any more relations, but as we are about to spend a few weeks on this ship together, I don't see how I could keep my hands off you for that long.” He started kissing her neck again and she struggled to think. The only thing that kept her focused was that he seemed to be enjoying torturing her.

“But James and Toby! How could we get married without Toby?” Lily started to protest.

“Your brother knows. This was the alternate plan if our original plan was foiled. He was not pleased.” Eric rubbed her cheek, then stroked her hair. “I'm sorry that your family won't be here to see the service and I am sorry Toby will miss it as well. But he will be thrilled to have you as his stepmother.”

She swallowed a lump in her throat. She missed that little boy so much. “What about your family? You know so much about mine and I so little about yours.”

“Well, my father became ill and died when I was nine. I think I mentioned to you that my mother raised me and my two younger brothers.” Eric wrapped his arms around her again and picked her up.

She nodded, she knew how hard it was to lose a parent. “It must have been difficult for you. Your poor mother.” Lily rubbed her cheek against his.

“It was a long time ago and my mother is tough as nails. She did just fine, although I tried her patience a great deal, which she is always reminding me of.” He set her back down on her feet. “Now in the bath with you. You have a wedding to get ready for.”

“Do I get to meet her? Does she know you are getting married?” Lily was suddenly curious.

“Yes and yes, although the longer we have until you meet her, the happier we will be.” He winked at her as he began to undress.

Eric helped her wash up and then it was his turn. She dressed her hair, wearing nothing but a chemise that Eric had left out on the bed. She was beginning to wonder if she was going to have to be married in the men's clothes she had worn on the trail. Built into the wall, were several closed shelves and what looked like a wardrobe. Eric went to it and pulled out some clothes for himself and began dressing.

“Eric, that's a lovely shirt.” She raised her eye brows, hoping to drop a hint. She would settle for a set of clean men's clothes.

“Thank you.” He winked back. “I must say you look stunning yourself.”

“You’re teasing.” He chuckled and pulled out a pale blue silk gown. It was beautiful. He quickly helped her lace up her corset and pull on her petticoats. She put on the dress and Eric buttoned her up. She glanced in the mirror. Her face looked thinner than normal but it was so nice to see herself in a dress again.

“Such a shame to put all these clothes on.” Eric’s eyes danced wickedly. She swatted at him as he returned to dressing himself.

“Thank you for the dress. It's beautiful.” Lily beamed at the man about to be her husband.

“You are beautiful.” He kissed her forehead.

“Where did you get it?” she asked, curious to know how he had gotten a dress just her size onto the boat.

He chuckled. “I knew Captain White would be in Boston Harbor the day after we left. I left a note to be delivered that told him to wait in Portland and get some dresses. I left a quick description and measurements for the dressmaker.” Eric put on his jacket, he looked extremely handsome.

Lily tested her sore muscles and smiled ruefully. “It's too bad we couldn't have just taken a ship from Bucksport.”

Eric grimaced. “James checked into it. The harbor was heavily guarded.” He took her hand. “Are you ready?”

She nodded, suddenly incredibly nervous. “It’s not that I’m not glad, but why have you changed your mind about the wedding?”

“We have been separated from your brother. It might be selfish of me but now that we know Andrews is also trying to claim you, I want to make you my own.” Eric took her hand. “Are you all right?”

“No, I'm wonderful. This is wonderful. I just wasn't expecting to get married today. Usually, a woman wakes up in the morning knowing that it is her wedding day.” She laughed despite herself and it helped ease the tension.

“It's not the dream wedding, I know.” Eric touched her hand briefly. He left her side and pulled out the small satchel that Tracker had given him. He opened the bag and pulled out her diamond necklace, earrings and ring.

Lily gasped at the sight of them. Eric fastened the necklace around her neck. It warmed her heart to have her mother's jewelry on for her wedding. “Eric, thank you for all of this. I know it hasn't been easy and I don't know how many men would have given up on me, and my brother, but you didn't and I can't thank you enough. This is exactly what I wanted.” He leaned down and rested his forehead on hers and they stood together that way for a few seconds. Of all they had shared, this was one of the most intimate and special moments of their relationship.

As the last rays of sun peeked over the horizon, Lily stood in front of Eric as Captain Jack White performed the ceremony that made them man and wife. The sailors of the ship stood solemnly, if not awkwardly, in attendance as the couple said their vows. Lily had to smile, because although she had spent her life among sailors, she had never seen them called to battle before tonight. They had looked so fierce to her for a few moments but now seemed so bashful.

“I now pronounce you man and wife.” Captain White's rich baritone carried over the rush of the sea. Eric leaned down and kissed his wife on the lips. She heard several of the men clear their throats and a few snickers as well.

“Now, if you will follow me, we have a small reception ready for you, as much as an hour will permit.” Captain White pointed back toward his quarters and the men of the ship began to disperse.

“Won't the rest of the crew be joining us?” Lily asked.

“They are not the best company for ladies and we have only had time to prepare so much food that would constitute a reception.” The Captain waived toward the table of food.

“Oh, I'm sure we could share what little there is and combine it with whatever the men were to have for the evening. They saved our lives. It seems that would should celebrate with them.” Lily looked at Eric.

“I agree, Captain White, although we thank you for your consideration.” Eric gave her a small squeeze.

The Captain gave them a genuine smile then called the men back. Tables were set out on the deck and food was piled up for everyone to share. Lily and Eric sat at the head of the table while the Captain sat at the other end. The men ate heartily, and while quiet at first, they gradually began to relax.

They told many harrowing tales of life on the sea. Storms and pirates dominated the stories and Lily found herself gasping and laughing with the rest of the men. The evening grew later and later and despite herself, she finally let out a jaw-splitting yawn.

“I think perhaps it is time for you to get to bed.” Eric leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“Oh, I'm all right. It has just been a long day, I suppose. But we don't have to go to sleep yet.” Lily felt relaxed for the first time in what seemed like months.

Eric leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I have no intention of sleeping yet.”

Lily felt herself blush to her roots. Eric excused them to the sound of a great deal of cat calls and cheers. She grew even more embarrassed.

Lily entered the captain's quarters first. He had retired them to the couple. Eric came immediately behind her. He firmly closed the door behind them and then pulled her back against his chest, kissing the back of her neck, sending shivers throughout her body. He reached for the buttons on her dress and gave them tug, sending several buttons flying.

“That is my wedding dress!” Lily chastised her husband.

“I'll get it fixed later.” Eric pulled the dress from her shoulders and it landed in a pile on the floor.

“Please tell me I have something else to wear.” Lily giggled as he kissed her neck again.

“Hmmm, I am not sure. Maybe you will have to go naked.” Eric was unlacing her corset.

She pulled away from him. “I will not.  And speaking of naked—I don't want to be if you're not.”

He smiled at her and started taking off his clothes. She was amazed by how comfortable he seemed. He took off his shirt, and Lily stared at his bare chest. His shoulders were incredibly broad with a well-muscled chest that tapered down to a narrow waist. She felt the urge to run her hands up and down it.

She stepped back into his arms and did just that. In no time the rest of their clothes landed in a heap on the floor.

Eric picked her up and carried her to the bed. He entered her quickly but this time, there was no pain, only an intense pleasure. She held his body close as they climbed together, finally climaxing in unison.

She lay in the circle of his arms, drowsy and content. Eric kissed her hair and stroked her arm. “Why did we wait so long?” she murmured as she closed her eyes.

“I honestly can't remember.” Eric ginned and nuzzled into her hair as she drifted off to sleep.

Lily woke late the next morning feeling drowsy and content. She rolled over to touch Eric and realized the bed was empty. She sat up trying to figure out where he was when she clearly heard his voice outside of the door.

“I need you to watch over her while I am gone.” Eric sounded mildly worried as he spoke the words.

“I ain't no nursemaid for Christ’s sake, I'm a sailor!” she heard someone respond.

“If we are attacked, I need someone to protect her. You’re the man I trust the most to do it.” Eric sounded firm and the other man's lack of response seemed to be his affirmation.