“I’m not sure. It’s different.”
“Have you ever had any alcohol, sweetheart?”
“No. My dad drinks moonshine all the time. It smells awful and makes him mean.”
“Well, I don’t drink very often, nor do I ever drink enough to alter my personality. We can enjoy a nice glass of champagne in celebration tonight, but I promise you’ll never see me being mean.”
I take another drink. It’s good.
“Want to try again?” I ask.
She nods.
Gripping her hands, I tip the flute back and let her have a bigger sip this time. She smiles. “I like it.”
I set the glass down and reach for a strawberry. Holding it up to her lips, I say, “Now, take a bite of the berry and then a sip of champagne. The flavors mesh well together.”
The sexiest sight I’ve ever seen is my wife opening her pink lips to bite into the strawberry. I stifle a groan, hoping she doesn’t notice the enormous bulge pressing against her hip.
After eating the other half of the berry, I give her a sip of the delicious effervescence and then take another drink myself.
“That’s really good.” She leans into me.
She doesn’t need more than four or five sips. I don’t want her getting drunk.
When we’ve had enough, I tip her chin toward me and kiss her gently, lingering long enough that she squirms and whimpers on my lap. I lick the sweetness from her lips and smile at her. “I’m going to put some things away in here. Do you want to go use the bathroom while I do so?”
“Okay.”
I set her on her feet and kiss her again. “I’ll join you in a few minutes.” I want to give her some time alone, but not long enough for her to panic or fret. There’s no need for that, but she doesn’t know what to expect from me, so I’m sure she’s nervous.
As she pads from the room, I watch her gorgeous hair sway down her back. She really is pretty in her mother’s dress, and the dainty white flats are perfect.
After cleaning the kitchen and blowing out all the candles, I check the locks on the doors and head for the bedroom. The bathroom door is closed. A small paper bag sitting on the nightstand catches my attention, and I smirk as I pick it up.
One of my brothers has written a note on it.
Just in case your girl doesn’t want to get pregnant tonight.
I roll my eyes and put the bag in the drawer. If it’s necessary, I’ll pull it back out. I would never force Rebekah to take risks she’s not ready for, but I don’t know if we’ll even get that far tonight.
Nine
Rebekah
* * *
I’ve never been so nervous in my life. As I stare at my reflection in the mirror, I take deep breaths. I’ve already used the toilet, brushed my teeth, and combed through my hair. The bow is on the counter.
Now what? Does Adam expect me to take off my clothes and be waiting for him? I feel so inadequate. I don’t want to do anything wrong. And I’m panicking.
There’s no putting off the inevitable, though. I’ve never been a wimp. So I pull my shoulders back and open the door.
Adam is sitting on the edge of the bed. He has removed his shirt. Actually, he has taken off everything but his pants. He is so incredibly mouthwatering. I almost don’t care what happens next. I’m fortunate it’s going to be with him.
Any dreams I’ve ever had of getting married featured this man in front of me now. I never imagined I would see him again. I thought he was long gone. I had no idea his family still owned this land or had any interest in it. I wouldn’t have blamed the six brothers if they’d never returned.
When I first realized someone was over here working and snuck closer to get a look, I still wasn’t sure, but finally, the Gallants showed up one by one. My imagination got away from me. Silly, ridiculous thoughts of being Adam’s wife. Why would he even look twice at someone like me?
