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"Weary," she sighed, squeezing his hand.
"I think bed is the perfect place for us." He kissed her cheek.
"I agree," she said and turned in his arms, hugging his waist and burying her face against his chest. Tomorrow was soon enough to talk with her parents. To face her past and lay the sorrows that had plagued her to rest.
"Pru," he said softly, tightening his arms around her, "I don't want you to worry or be afraid. I’ll be there with you. I will always be there with you."
She nodded, not trusting her voice. She was too close to tears, too close to losing the emotional security she had tried so hard to maintain.
"Let's get you to bed." Without waiting for her response, he lifted her up into his arms.
Zac pressed his cheek against the silkiness of her coppery hair. The soft strands smelled of fresh air and spicy pine. He had sensed her need to hide away when she had tucked her head in the crook of his neck. She didn't wish to confront the situation or accept what she had learned. She was fighting it every step of the way.
He supposed he could understand her reluctance. She feared being hurt once again. That was why she found it so difficult to admit her love for him. And he had no doubt she loved him. She demonstrated it in her actions and looks, and especially when they made love.
It was almost as though that were the only way she could reveal her love to him. And although it pleased him, he still wanted, needed to hear the words race from her lips. Perhaps when she healed things with her mother, she would have the strength to admit her love for him openly and with pride.
He entered the room and lowered her to stand near the bed. He lit the lamp and when he turned, she was quickly shedding her clothes. Her actions were desperate and her eyes close to tears.
Zac didn't hesitate as he began removing his own clothes. He understood her actions. She needed proof that what had transpired between them at the cabin was real and not a dream. That he would love her no matter their surroundings.
Zac went to her, and his large, gentle hands worked fast to rid her of the remaining garments. He lifted her, naked in his arms, and walked to the bed. He lay down on the mattress with her, covering her, pressing into her.
"I love you, Pru," he whispered.
She looked at him, her eyes pooled with tears. She opened her mouth and fought for the words that seemed locked tightly away. Frustrated, she tossed her head from side to side, allowing the tears to spill, then reached up, capturing his face with her hands and drawing him to her. Her lips caught his and she kissed him hungrily.
CHAPTER 25
"It's been two days since you've returned and she's still managed to avoid her mother," James complained to Zac as they shared their morning coffee on the front porch.
Zac poured himself another cup from the pot Silver Fox had left on the table for them. He still couldn't get used to the idea of calling her Lenore. The name just didn't fit her. "You have to understand—"
"I'm tired of being an understanding father," James snapped. "Prudence is being unreasonable and I intend to put my foot down."
Zac leaned back in his chair, cup in hand. "I don't think so, James." His voice was stern and his tone strong. "Prudence is my wife and no longer comes under your rule. I won't have her dictated to by anyone."
James looked at him in surprise. "You really love my daughter, don't you?"
"Yes. Had you doubted I did?"
"Well, I must admit I had some doubt. Didn't think she was your type, although," James added hastily, "when I arrived here and saw you two together, saw the change in Prudence, I began to think it was possible that you did actually love her."
"I do love her," Zac corrected. "She's stubborn, quick-witted, proper beyond belief, and an excellent knot maker."
"Knot maker?" James repeated.
"Don't ask, you don't want to know, and I'd be too embarrassed to explain. Needless to say, I love everything about her."
James held his hand out. Zac put his cup down and took it. It was a warm, hearty shake and James smiled broadly. "Welcome to the family, son. For a while there, I was worried that Granger just might become my son-in-law."
Zac laughed. "I doubt it. Prudence has too much common sense and intelligence to make such a drastic mistake."
"Your belief in her is heartwarming."
"Prudence needed someone to believe in her. Though she appeared strong, she still harbored the misgivings of the little girl who had been hurt so badly by her mother's desertion."
"I've explained to Prudence why Lenore left," James said sadly. "I thought it would be enough to make her understand that her mother did it out of a desire to protect her."
