It was Adam’s turn to walk out to the balcony of their hotel suite and look up at the stars. The only problem was that the stars were hiding tonight behind a marine layer of fog, and the only light was a silvery hint of the moon trying to break free of it. Looking down on Montgomery Street, he wondered if there was ever a time in San Francisco when everyone was tucked safely in their beds sound asleep. He knew the answer. San Francisco never slept. If he had a mind to, he knew he could find a place with music, whiskey, and women to pass the time, but he was a married man now, and even though some men believed that was a right regardless of man’s state with a woman, he didn’t agree. His place was here with his wife.
Whether Will realized it or not, he was beginning to create a small rift between them, even if that rift was just guilt on Shiloh’s part. It angered him that she would feel that way when she should feel nothing but disgust. He wondered if some part of her cared for Will, but then he remembered her face contorted in something more than anger…maybe it was disgust…just before she slapped him. No, he decided, she didn’t care for him. That only left the guilt, but not guilt for Will. She felt guilty that this had followed her into her life with him. It was him she loved, more than anyone or anything. He was sure of it.
What he wanted most in the world was to make her life easier without all these ghosts following her everywhere she went. Will, he could fight; her privacy, he could buy, but Micah…. Why had Micah suddenly become so prevalent in her thoughts? How could he fight a memory? And should he?
He walked quietly into the bedroom, glad that Shiloh had left a light burning low. Standing next to the bed, looking over at her, he smiled. He thought this night might be a bit colder than he’d recently gotten used to, but her hair was loose, and with an arm outside the blanket, he could see her bare shoulder. He stepped into the washroom to undress, and came out carrying his clothes which he gently laid on a chair; his boots, he set on the floor next to them. Slipping under the covers, he slid next to her, snuggling into her back. She stirred, but quickly settled back down. Laying his arm on her side, he dropped his head to the pillow behind hers, breathing in the scent of roses from her hair. He closed his eyes, thinking that nothing in the world could possibly feel better than her warm, soft skin against his just before he fell asleep.
***
Adam awoke on his back, chilled with his chest uncovered. He pulled the blanket up and rolled onto his side, his hands searching, reaching. Finding her pillow empty, he raised his head and groggily looked around. A piece of paper was lying where she should have been. He grabbed it and studied it, waiting for his eyes to focus. Come get me from the banquet room, and we’ll have breakfast in the dining room. All my love, Shiloh. Sniffing the paper, he closed his eyes, enjoying the faint scent of roses…her scent.
“The banquet room,” he said aloud. He jumped out of bed, dressed in slacks and a white shirt, no tie, and hurriedly left the room. When he stepped out of the lift at the lobby, he stopped, listening. In the distance, he heard a piano being played though the piece was nothing he had heard before. Following the flourish of notes down the hall past the front desk, he stopped at the door of the banquet hall and peered in through a crack. A man standing at the door blocked his view, so he opened the door and cleared his throat quietly. “Excuse me,” he whispered.
“I’m sorry, Sir, but no one is allowed in the banquet hall while Mrs. Cartwright is playing.”
“And just who might you be?” asked Adam, smiling tactfully.
The man turned and stepped through the door, physically backing Adam out with him. “I’m with the hotel.”
It didn’t matter how much Adam thrust his chest out, he’d never be able to match the thickness or the height of the brute standing in front of him. “Your mother must have fed you well as a child,” he said, smiling impudently. “I’m Mr. Cartwright; the lady’s husband.”
“What’s the cook’s name?”
“Excuse me?”
“Mrs. Cartwright said not to let anyone in who didn’t know the cook’s name.”
“Oh. Hop Sing.”
Stepping to one side, the man swung the door open with a paw that rivaled Hoss’s. Adam stepped through the door with a hand on his chest, looking back as he walked further into the room. He stood quietly next to the piano while Shiloh played.
“Good morning,” she said as she continued to play.
Creasing his eyebrows, he asked, “How do you do that?”
“Do what?” she asked, looking up at him, still playing.
“Talk and play at the same time.”
She smiled. “You get to a point when your fingers know their own way after you’ve played a piece thousands of times. Excuse me for a moment,” she said as she finished the piece with several runs up and down the keys and ending with a resounding ‘ta da’. “Ready for breakfast?”
Cocking his head and narrowing his eyes, he said, “Shiloh, where did you find…?” He pointed to the man standing at the door.
“When I called Mr. Eaton to see if it would be alright to play this morning, he said Mr. Shelby had arranged for an escort if I needed one. At first I was going to tell him that it wasn’t necessary, but then I thought of you and decided I needed one,” she said, smiling cheekily.
Adam tilted his head with a pleased smile and offered her his arm. When they walked out of the banquet hall, the escort followed at a discreet distance. “He’s not going to have breakfast with us, is he?”
Shiloh stopped at the front desk where Mr. Shelby was posted. “Mr. Shelby, thank you so much for the escort. I’ll be quite safe with my husband.”
Mr. Shelby clicked his heels and nodded smartly. “You’re quite welcome, Mrs. Cartwright. Mr. Cartwright,” he added, nodding again.
Once they were seated and their coffee was served, Adam sat, looking at Shiloh with a rather subdued smile. “Shiloh, about last night…”
She quickly covered his hand, looking back at him with such affection that he smiled, lifted his fingers and held hers, and forgot what he was about to say. “Why don’t we spend a day without anyone else on our minds but us?” she asked with amorous eyes. His face transformed into a carefree blend of gleaming eyes, brilliant white teeth, and dimples. “Did you happen to notice the weather outside?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“We have two days before we go to Jim’s. I hope it stops raining by then, but this storm…it looks pretty fierce. I really don’t know how you didn’t hear it this morning.”
“I saw the note,” he said, raising his chin. “I was worried, so I left the room pretty quickly.”
She smiled wickedly. “And what did you find for all your worry?”
Narrowing his eyes, he said, “Do not mock me. It’s about time you obeyed your husband as, I recall, you promised,” ending with a roguish smile.
She moved her hands to her lap and took a deep breath, causing her breasts to swell above the neckline of her dress that was low enough to show some cleavage. Her creamy, soft skin called to him as she demurely cut her eyes up to his, wearing a slight, provocative smile.
His tongue touched his top teeth, and he made a low growl just as the waiter brought their breakfast to the table. Looking at her from under his brow, he thanked the waiter as she blushed and stifled a smile, looking away.
“Behave,” he said, chuckling. She opened her mouth as if in shock, but the look slowly melted into a coy smile. “Has anyone ever accused you of being naughty?”
“There’s absolutely nothing I could have done to get that kind of response from you if your own naughty thoughts hadn’t already been there,” she teased, picking up her fork.
“Ssh. Someone might think we just got married,” he said, glancing around, then laughing.
“So…since it’s raining, what are we going to do today?” she asked.
“Well, I know this little café just outside the Presidio where the coffee is good, the food is better and the view, especially during a storm, is spectacular. That is, unless you’re opposed to getting a little wet.”
“I take a bath every day. Water does not bother me in the slightest,” she said, laughing.
You know, some people thought this one is the worst of them all…kind of a fantasy that never would have happened. I don’t know about that. All these places really did exist back then. The Lick House was real and accurately described, the Cliff House and the beach, too. And Santa Cruz in the mid-1800s was the way I described it. The Meders were real, and so was their dairy. In fact a couple of those buildings are still there. Thomas Maquire and his opera house in San Francisco and VC were real. Even the San Francisco mayors I have in the stories were all real. This one’s a story back, but Eliza Biscaciante was real and her story was real. She eventually regained her popularity in South America (from Adam’s encouragement, of course!), but she was singing in Gentlemen’s Clubs in San Francisco for drinks at one point. I love working history into my stories.
I suppose my favorite part of all of this was their time on the beach. I’ve been to that very beach, but it’s not a little hideaway any longer…it’s got quite a surfing crowd these days. But the description of the creek coming off the bluff down through the woods is true as well as the small pool of water on the beach. And you can get stuck on that beach at high tide. The cliffs are so high, you can’t climb out. You either have to swim around the points or you have to wait for the tide to go back out. A lot did happen in this one, but as I said, I think this one is my favorite of them all.
Thanks so much, Marie. I think you have just a little ways to go to the end of this one.
I was in a lot of pain last weekend so I didn’t get to finish it. I’ve been busy all week so I’m looking forward to figuring out where I left off. I love this story. I’m loving the entire series! I love long long stories and a series to boot? What more could I ask for! Okay, off to figure out where I left off before I hurt my back last weekend. 🙂
~ A great way to start a new beginning! I look forward to reading each chapter and commenting about them as I read them. 🙂 I just love this couple!
~ Poor Shiloh, she doesn’t do well on those stage coaches. I don’t think I would have either! I just can’t imagine having to travel via a stage coach to get anywhere. I’m glad they arrived at Sacramento safe and sound…Who is this mysterious man?
~ What an opulent hotel, Adam. Presidential Suite? Very impressive indeed! Who was the gent inquiring about them that didn’t want to identify himself? Hmmmm
~ Adam was very adamant about not letting Shiloh sing even if it was for just one night. I can’t blame him though, they’re on their honeymoon! Somehow I don’t think Shiloh will be in that beautiful nightgown and robe too long after breakfast is over. 😉
~ Oh snap! That witch, Natalie Peterson and Will! I just knew he was the “mystery man”. Those two…ooooooh, this is going to get GOOD! LOL
~ Who is this mysterious thug? No doubt a hinchman for Will. I was hoping Adam would get him and show him a thing or two. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of him, Will, or that nasty Natalie.
~ I sure would have loved to been at dinner! The food sounded divine. Is Adam and Shiloh moving to SFO? I must keep reading! 🙂
~ I don’t like this Daniel guy. Not respecting the institution of marriage. I think he has a thing for Shiloh. He’s trouble indeed!
~ What is that no good Daniel up to? It seems the whole world is after poor Shiloh. First it’s Will, Natalie and the mystery man, now Daniel. Somehow I think their honeymoon is going to be a firestorm!
~ It’s almost like she saw a ghost! Who…or what did she see? The plot thickens. 😮
~ Shiloh is so good to go along with Adam, even though these types of events are what she despises the most. She’s such a trooper. The mayor’s wife was so excited to see they had a celebrity in the house, however, she was quite rude to drag her around like a rag doll. Poor Shiloh. Oh boy, the well just got deep! Will is going to make it tough for Adam and his new firm. I know Adam will work it out. Don’t mess with a Cartwright, buddy! That darn Peterson woman…I can just see her body language now; like she’s got the upper hand and she’s going to make Shiloh’s life a living hell. rrrrr
~ Well, the mayor’s reception went well….Cartwrights 1, Will and Natalie, 0. ROTFL
~ What a powerful chapter. How stupid is Will? I mean to come to the hotel where Adam and Shiloh are staying and make such a scene. Did he think it would end well for him? Now the hotel has his face and he will be escorted out if he tries to step in again. I can’t wait to see what Natalie has up here sleeve. I almost feel sorry for her, though…Natalie, that is…She’s just a pawn in this scheme. I’m not sure if she wants Will or if she wants Adam, but she’s a sad lost soul; I pity her.
~ How cute was this chapter. I loved the “escort” Shiloh had for the banquet hall and the “password”. Pretty clever of shiloh to come up with something only Adam would know. I loved their banter at the breakfast table. Too cute!
~ How sweet are Mary and Harold? The seawall thing was so fun! I don’t think I would want to do it in the dead of winter but it might be something fun to share with your beloved in the summer! I loved this chapter!
~ The Alta California is nothing but a sleazy rag paper. On the front page no doubt. I wonder how much money Will paid them to run that article. He’s such a sleaze bag. I sure hope Shiloh does not find out about this; she’ll be heartbroken thinking she’s caused all of this drama for Adam. What she doesn’t know is if you mess with the Cartwrights, you’re messing with a mighty empire nobody can defend against.
~ What a lighthearted chapter. It was so good to see Shiloh smile and be childlike again. I was so sorry Adam couldn’t fully enjoy it with her. 🙁 I hope she is able to get him to feel the inner child he never got to experience. I was just glad they were finally free of all the drama which had encapsulated them in SFO. I just wonder if there is not drama around the bend….
~ Will is a scoundrel! Thank goodness the mayor sees through his stupidness and told him to keep his personal life out of his professional one. I have a sneaking suspicion good ole Will is going to amp it up a notch to try and discredit Adam with not only SFO but with Shiloh, too! Spec, Spec, Spec…She’s a character! I love that girl! ROTFL
~ Sounds like they’re finally going to be able to have the honeymoon they were expecting. The little town they are going to visit sounds delightful. The thought of Shiloh getting kidnapped by Will…makes me shiver.
~ Okay, I don’t know if I was stone cold drunk would I try a fried grasshopper. LOL but wow, that was too funny! The food sounded fantastic, however, I don’t do any seafood or fish, but I do love empanadas! Loved seeing them having such a great time in Spanishtown, even if the jerk who’s following them showed up.
~ What is Daniel up to and what does he want with Will? Those two along with Natalie; a deadly combo. 🙁 Shiloh seeing Micah? What?? Oh poor thing. She wants so much for her brother to be alive. :'(
~ I feel so bad for them, they can’t seem to catch a break on the drama left behind at SFO. Hopefully their time in Santa Cruz will be more enjoyable. The clipper ship sounded lovely.
~ Shiloh’s so cute. She’s a feisty thing and Adam has her hands full. I can understand her frustration with Adam not being forthright about the accusations Will thrusted upon him trying to get the Mayor to take away the contract for the courthouse, but at the same time I see Adam’s point, why burden her with the nonsense when he knew there was no merit to it and the mayor dismissed Will’s claim? She has so much already on her plate and what purpose would it serve her for him to tell her about Will’s ridiculous attempts to try and hurt him and the new company he is with.
~ What a great chapter. It seems maybe they should have gone to Santa Cruz for their honeymoon instead and just let everyone think they were going to San Francisco. LOL Loved how she got a bit tipsy again. Very cute! “Liar,” she said. ROTFL Loved it!
~Somehow I don’t think Shiloh’s to keen on learning the ropes of a dairy farm. LOL She did seem to enjoy the trip to the Meder farm though. 🙂
~ Interesting on how they made cheese and butter back then. I don’t think I like the whole rennent thing though. 🙁 Thank goodness I wasn’t born back in the 19th century or on a farm. I’m too much of a city girl! LOL
~ Why do I feel something is going to happen while they’re camping? Sounds blissful though…If you like camping and fishing. Seems it’s right up Shiloh’s alley!
~ I think Adam may have trouble getting Shiloh to leave their little private slice of heaven. I loved this chapter. I’m glad everything is going so well…for now. 😉
~ Shame on you, Adam Cartwright, for making Shiloh…no forcing her to face her fear of the water the way you did. He needs to realize you have to slowly let someone adjust to a fear. Help them in a safe environment. He’s lucky it didn’t backfire on him and her fear become worse when she was knocked about by the wave that took her under. I’m a good swimmer and that’s happened to me on more than one occasion and it’s scary as heck! Oh, Adam, I’m not happy with you. 🙁 Thank goodness Shiloh is strong and is willing to try it again.
~ My heart stopped when Adam called for Shiloh and she didn’t answer. I thought I can only imagine the fear that set in to him as he called her and no answer came. I can breathe again.
~ Ick…I don’t know if I would want to wake up to raccoons, skunks, and rabbits in my camp. LOL
~ Awe, I wonder if she is pregnant. She’ll make a great mom. She just doesn’t know it yet. 🙂
~ I never thought Ben would be such a “traditionalist” not wanting to move The Ponderosa forward. I can see how that would frustrate Adam. He’ll have to use his ingenuity at the Flying W.
~ I hope she’s not going to have issues having children. They’ll both make great parents. I kind of hope she is with child. 🙂
~ This poor couple haven’t had much of a honeymoon when they’ve been in the city. I guess that’s why Shiloh enjoyed the beach and Santa Cruz so much. Nobody knew them and most of all, they were away from Will!
~ Wow! What a great ending! Such a great opportunity for both Adam, Shiloh, and both ranches to be involved with the railroad. I know it was hard for Shiloh to have Adam sign the contracts instead of her now that she was married to him. I’m glad those times have changed! While I still am somewhat of a traditionalist at heart, I believe a woman can stand firmly on her own and share equally in a marriage partnership. It seems Shiloh and I think a lot alike. 🙂
Looking forward to the next story in the series!
Thanks for such a sweet tender story. I hope we get to see Will and his sidekick again. I love seeing them make fools of themselves. LOL