Ruby's Song (Love in the Sierras Book 3) (28 page)

Her nipples brushed against his chest hair over and over again as she rode him. Sweat gathered on her brow, on her back. He gripped her hips and slowed her movements, pulling her over him in a hard grinding motion, and she moaned.

“God, that feels good,” she said.

“You’re telling me,” he replied with a smirk.

He leaned back and pressed his hips up against her pleasure center, grinding and circling in a sweet, torturous friction, grunting and panting at the suspension of his pleasure. She took advantage when he slowed, continuing the steady climb to ecstasy with the sway of her hips. His breathing grew shallow and his features twisted in a grimace. He gripped her legs as a shudder rippled beneath her. With a deep groan, the warm flood of his seed spilled into her.

Collapsing against the pillow, his chest rose and fell in great expansions and she smirked, knowing it was her body that gave him such pleasure. She made to move off of him, but his hands shot up and held her in place. He lifted his head and shook it back and forth.

“Don’t go anywhere just yet,” he said through pants before reaching up to stroke her womanhood with his thumb. Sensitive and deliciously tender, a spiral of pleasure burst from the area and she moved against him again, unable to stop her hips from answering the call of his fingers. He stroked and circled until her body wracked with tiny spasms and she fell forward to rest against his chest.

His heartbeat thrummed against her ear. His sweat coated her skin. She was warm. She was satisfied. She was loved. And somewhere among those thoughts, she fell asleep.

Chapter 31

The evening storm left the forest damp and deep green in the bursting light of dawn. The air smelled crisply of pine and Dalton inhaled a lungful of it as he crouched behind a cluster of undergrowth and leveled his shotgun at the young buck. The animal nipped at grass and tree bark, swiveling its head to investigate noises and smells. Dalton pulled back the hammer and slid his finger around the trigger, but instead of focusing his eye on the deer, he pictured Marlena’s face as he’d left her sleeping in the bed.

Rosy, passion-bruised lips had slid slightly apart so she could breathe through them. Long wavy blond locks scattered about his pillows. His bed sheet wrapped around her torso and one of her legs, the scant covering all they could manage after their last round of lovemaking. No soreness plagued him this morning, no angst or mental burdens weighed him down. He sighed and released the hammer, setting the shotgun on the ground.

“Sorry, Indigo,” he said, petting the dog sitting beside him. “No venison today.”

He felt too alive to kill.    

When he returned to the house, Hazel had discovered the pound of bacon in his ice box and was hard at work frying it over the stove. Sarah stood beside her, studying the process and chattering away.

“Good morning, Mr. Dalton,” Hazel said as he entered. “You didn’t have any eggs so we just have some biscuits and bacon. I saw you had some coffee in your stores so I’ve brewed you a cup.”

She nodded toward the steaming mug on the kitchen table and he took it with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Hazel. Much obliged.”

He strolled out to the porch and stood watching the sun light up the waters of Tahoe in golden, sparkling glory. His chest swelled with happiness. Bacon frying, Marlena asleep in his bed, Indigo by his side...the place finally felt like home.

“Nice view,” Marlena called from behind and he turned to see her standing in the doorway in her chemise and his robe, her feet bare. Nothing ever looked lovelier.

“Good morning,” he said, holding out an arm, which she slid under to hold him close.

“Dalton, I love the homestead…”

Something in her tone unnerved him and he braced himself. “But?”

She took a deep breath and looked up at him. “But I have a duty and an obligation to fulfill.”

“If you’re worried about the contract, don’t. I have enough money to buy out your contract. If you want, your freedom is yours.”

Her eyes widened. “You have enough money to buy out the contract?”

He nodded. “That was always the plan. With my furniture commissions and the wonderful generosity of my mother, I have enough to buy it out. That is, if you want.”

She shook her head. “There is no contract. Sarah dissolved it last night.”

The shock must have spread across his face, for she nodded again in confirmation before his brow wrinkled. “Then, what obligation are you talking about?”

Before she could answer, Morgan and Val broke through the trees on horseback.

“Thank God,” Val said, sighing in relief. “We found the camp and dead bodies. The rain washed out your tracks. I figured if you all were still alive we’d find you here.”

“Good thinking,” Dalton said, shaking Val’s hand as he dismounted and climbed the porch steps.

Without pause, Val swept Marlena into his arms and squeezed her tight. “Your sister is anxious for news of your safety. We practically had to tie her to the bed to keep her from coming with us.”

Morgan was next in line for a hug. Soon, Sarah and Hazel joined them on the porch, handing mugs of coffee around while Marlena told the Kelly boys about the kidnapping and Dalton’s brave rescue. Indigo had been lying on the porch beside Dalton, but suddenly stood and ran to the edge, barking. All heads swiveled in the direction as Lila rode through the trees at a run. She pulled the reins, bringing her horse to a sliding stop. Her face twisted with panic.

“Val! You must come quickly,” she said. “It’s Jess. The baby’s coming and there are complications.” Tears gathered in her eyes. “Father sent me for you.”

Val’s face went pale a split second before he ran and jumped onto his saddle.

“I’m coming with you,” Marlena announced before turning to Morgan. “Please, can I take your horse?”

“Go on, quickly,” he answered and she spared a glance at Dalton.

“We’ll follow you,” he said with a nod, and she climbed onto the saddle in her chemise and robe, bare feet and all, kicking the horse in Val’s wake.

Marlena wiped at the tears streaming down her cheeks as she ducked and dodged tree branches. Val had a few narrow scrapes in front of her as well, but neither slowed their pace.

“Please God,” she said aloud. “Don’t take her.”

When they cleared the tree line, Val spurred his horse on at a greater speed and she struggled to keep up, having no boot heel or spur to dig in. She’d never been to their ranch and could not find it if she lost Val, so she leaned forward to rest her head against the horse’s neck and gave him more rein to speed up.

The two-story log home loomed ahead and chickens squawked and scattered as they ran across the lawn and skidded to a halt before the front door. The rocks and dirt bit into her heels as she jumped from the horse, but it didn’t slow her. She followed Val into the house and up the stairs, all while Jess’s screams rent the air and pierced her heart.

They ran through a bedroom door and Marlena’s hands flew to her mouth at the vision of Jess contorting in pain. Sweat beads slid down her cheeks and forehead, her fists curled around wads of bedsheets. Dr. Argyle Cameron and the midwife stood beside a dresser, assessing the gruesome-looking medical instruments set atop it.

Val went to his knees beside the bed and grabbed his wife’s hand. “I’m here, Jess.”

“What is it?” Marlena asked the doctor. “What’s wrong?”

“Not to worry,” his aged voice rasped. “All is well. Your sister is about to deliver.”

“Lila said there were complications,” Val said, a plea in his eyes.

“There were,” Dr. Cameron answered, leaning against the dresser. He wore his age haggardly, the stress and worry wrinkling his face even more. “The baby was breach and wouldn’t turn. I was about to operate when I sent Lila for you, but then the baby turned on its own. The head is now in position and I can defer to the midwife. I’ll be down in the parlor if I’m needed.”

He left the room and Marlena made to follow him, but Jess’s tired voice called out to her.

“Stay, Marlena. I want you here with me.”

Marlena went to the bed, grabbing her sister’s hand, only to feel a deathlike grip as Jess winced through another contraction.

“Quickly, Jess,” the midwife said. “Push her out before she can change her mind and turn again.”

Fiery pain shot through Marlena as Jess nearly broke every one of her fingers in her vicelike grip, but it was worth it. One long push brought the baby into the world, and a flood of emotion welled inside of her. Tears rushed to her eyes and laughter bubbled from her chest.

“You were right, Jess!” she announced. “It’s a girl.”

“And with a strong set of lungs,” the midwife added.

Jess collapsed back against the pillows, heaving with relief. Val showered her with kisses, not caring that Marlena was there to witness the fat tears rolling down his cheeks. The midwife bundled the baby and handed her to Marlena. She cradled her niece, who continued to scream her presence to the world. Jess’s face was white with exhaustion, but she managed a smile.

“My little Evangeline.”

“All is right in the world,” Marlena whispered, releasing her own tears as she handed the baby to Jess. Within moments, Evangeline suckled quietly and Jess reached out to grasp Marlena’s hand.

“Thank God you’re all right,” she said.

“Thank God and Dalton,” Marlena replied.

“You belong with him,” Jess announced. “I like Harrison, but you belong with Dalton.”

Marlena nodded. “I know. Things are about to change for the better, Jess. I don’t want to miss another minute of moments like this.”

Jess smiled and let the tears fall. “You’ve made me a happy woman. And you can stay here at the ranch as long as you need.”

“There won’t be a need,” she returned. “Dalton has made me a fine home.”

A hiss of laughter bubbled from Jess’s chest. “Good thing I finished your wedding gown then, eh?”

“You finished it?”

Jess nodded. “I had nothing else to do but worry and pacing was out of the question. It’s all finished and in the spare room.” Her eyes darted over Marlena’s chemise and robe. “Where are your clothes?”

“It’s a long story, one that can wait.”

Jess turned to her husband. “Val, show her to the spare room, will you? And grab some of my clothes for her.”

Val leaned down and kissed Jess’s lips. “I’ll be right back. Then, I’ll take the baby so you can get some rest.”

Jess nodded and pulled her husband down for a longer, lingering kiss. Marlena pecked Evangeline’s cheek before following Val out of the room.

He left her in the spare room and she eyed the sparkling white gown resting on the bed. Like her concert gowns, the neckline scooped down and rested slightly off-shoulder. Layers of lace scalloped from the top of the bodice, which had intricate beadwork and embroidery to accent it. The full skirt boasted an extravagant bustle and ruffled train. It was the finest piece of sewing she’d ever seen, and the thought of wearing to marry Dalton warmed her skin and cheeks.

By the time she dressed and left the room, Barrett and Heath stood in front of their mother’s bedroom door, pressing their ears to the wood. Their tongues stuck out of the sides of their mouths in a look of pure concentration, and Marlena laughed.

“What are you two doing?”

“We’re trying to hear our sister,” Barrett answered.

“She’s a quiet thing, ain’t she?” Heath said and Barrett chuckled.

“We’ll break her of that.”

Marlena shook her head as her eyes rolled. “She’s probably sleeping, and deservedly so. She and your mama had a rough morning. Let’s leave them be, shall we?”

The door suddenly opened and Val walked out with a bundle tucked in his arms. The twins jumped up and down, trying to get a view, so he knelt to give them access. Marlena smiled at the three little faces of Jess’s children. And to think, all those years they’d believed she couldn’t bear any. It filled Marlena’s heart to see Jess’s life full of family, and there was a sudden ache in her own womb.

The front door opened and Marlena peered down the stairs to see Morgan and Lila shuffle through the portal.

“Hazel!” Barrett and Heath cried as the little girl came in next, followed by Sarah. The boys ran down to greet their friend.

“We have a sister now,” Barrett said.

“Yeah, and she ain’t no bigger than a meatloaf!”

Lila looked up and locked worried eyes with Marlena. “Jess?”

“She’s fine,” Marlena assured. “She’s sleeping. Everything went well.”

Lila sighed and leaned back against Morgan before addressing the boys. “Where are your cousins?”

“They’re outside playing crack-the-whip,” Val answered. “Why don’t you kids go play?”

The boys each grabbed one of Hazel’s hands and scampered off. No sooner had they made space in the entryway than Dalton came through the door. He and Marlena locked eyes and she ran down the stairs and leapt into his arms, pressing a smile to his lips. He caught her and welcomed her kiss.

“All is well, I presume?” he said when they finally pulled apart.

“It’s better than well,” she said. “It’s perfect. I can’t wait to be your wife and hold your babies.”

Val cleared his throat and Marlena felt a rush of heat to her cheeks as she surveyed the smiling faces around them. Sarah stepped forward.

“Well, there
is
already a wedding planned here in four days. We never had a chance to cancel the plans once Harrison left.”

Marlena sucked on her bottom lip and turned to Dalton with a giddy smile. “And there
is
a beautiful wedding gown in a room upstairs.”

He peered sideways at Marlena and chortled. “You don’t have to ask me. Everyone here knows I’m all in.”