Shiloh lay in bed with her eyes closed, telling herself to relax. For some reason, she would slowly tense, then when she noticed her muscles begin to hurt, she forced herself to relax. She just couldn’t figure out why she was on edge. Adam had gone down to the hotel desk to see if an answer to the telegram he had sent when they got back to Santa Cruz had arrived, so she was alone. They had a pleasant ride from the beach to the Meder’s that morning and said goodbye to the Meder’s with a promise of visits in the future and to stay in touch, and the ride into Santa Cruz was calm and peaceful. When they got up to their hotel room, she spent the afternoon looking out over Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay while Adam read. Their evening meal and banter was thoroughly enjoyable. So what was making her anxious?
As quietly as possible, Adam slowly opened the door, and seeing that Shiloh had turned down the lamp and was lying in bed, he just as silently closed it, making his way to the dressing table where he began to undress.
She watched him, observing his powerful shoulders and arms as he slipped his shirt off, thinking how he made her feel so delicate physically even though she knew she wasn’t. His muscled chest was covered in soft, black, curly hair that she loved to run her fingers over, following the line that coalesced in the center all the way down to his navel. She had never seen a man without clothes before Adam, but based on the way he looked clothed and the way her stomach fluttered when she looked at him, she knew he was well-chiseled everywhere else.
He crawled under the covers next to her and just as he reached out his hands to pull her into him, she turned to face him. “I thought you were asleep,” he chuckled, then proceeded to draw her to him.
Settling her arm on his side, she asked, “What did you find out?”
“That based on communications from her last port, the Northern Light is on schedule and should be here tomorrow morning around ten. So we don’t have to get up too early, and we don’t have to rush to the harbor. The only difference is that they will be sending a dinghy for us instead of docking,” he said, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
“Adam, how am I supposed to get on board in a dress?”
“You’ll have to climb a ladder, but I’m sure there will be several sailors leaning over the side to assist you as soon as they can reach you.”
“And where will you be?”
“I’ll be right behind you making sure no one looks up your dress.”
“Except you,” she said, touching his nose with her finger. “Shame on you.”
“It’s nothing I haven’t seen before,” he laughed.
“Well, you haven’t seen it from that angle,” she responded, a remark that made him laugh even louder.
Moving her hand to his face, she ran her thumb over his cheek and into his dimple. She moved her fingers to his lips, holding them there, willing the loveliness of his smile to last forever. “Do me a favor and don’t ever stop smiling.”
He kissed her fingers. “Ever? That’s a tough promise.”
“Alright then, just don’t forget to smile as often as possible.”
“I think I can manage that,” he said, moving into her, meeting her lips, and wrapping her up in his arms. When he rolled her over on her back, and shifted into a comfortable position for both of them, she moved her hands to the back of his neck and began running them through his hair. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes while Shiloh watched the goose bumps appear on his neck and shoulders. “Do you have any idea how good that feels?” he asked.
“Hm. That’s why I do it.”
He looked back down at her, gazing into her eyes. It was easy for him to tell when she was happy or content. Her eyes twinkled in bright blue against stark whiteness. He studied her nose, not too thin, not too wide, but rather soft ending in a round button that was perfectly balanced with her dainty nostrils. Her lips were full and supple with an elegant curve that called to him, and her skin was smooth, even-toned and as soft as the skin of her stomach that had never seen the light of day…until the past week. Propped on his forearms resting beside her shoulders, he kissed her, gently teasing her lips before he moved his hand to her face, and as he opened his mouth to kiss her, she parted her lips.
“Mm…Adam?” He moved to her neck, enjoying the warm softness. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this.” He said nothing and moved to her ear. “We’re supposed to be careful,” she said, closing her eyes as he nibbled her earlobe.
He stopped and lifted his head to look at her. “The way I figure it is if you are with child, there’s no danger, because,” he said, bouncing his head slightly from side to side, “you already are. And because you’re late, that means that you’re probably ready for a monthly, which means it’s alright.”
“But what if everything is messed up, including the time when I can?”
Biting the inside of his cheek, and creasing his brows, he looked at her disappointedly, moving away and lying on his back next to her. “The first thing we are going to do when we get home is take you to the doctor.”
“I’ve already seen a doctor.”
“Do you realize that unless we know something about what’s going on with you, we might have to wait a month or more before we know for sure if it’s safe? Maybe Paul can tell us that your timing is normal despite that fact that you don’t always have a monthly.”
Rolling to her side away from him, she wrapped her arms around herself, guilt taking over. “I’m sorry. I had no idea my…unusual timing…was going to affect us this way.” She felt his hands pushing her shoulder back down on the bed. Pulling the opposite shoulder toward him, he moved her to her side, facing him.
He pulled her back into his arms until they were nose to nose. “We’ll wait until we talk to Paul.” When she moved her eyes away, he said, “Look at me. We’re going to see Paul first thing when we get back. Agreed?”
Tears began to well in her eyes. “Adam, I’m sorry.”
Moving his arm underneath her, he pulled her over on him, laying her head on his shoulder. “It’s alright. We’ll figure it out.”
***
Adam stood out on the terrace, watching the ocean ripple in the moonlight that made the fog rolling into the harbor take on an eerie glow. He had waited for Shiloh to fall asleep before he left the bed. Not only was he concerned for her, he was concerned for them…would things ever be the same as they had been on this trip with the possibility of a baby foremost on her mind? And what if Paul did find something wrong? She said she wanted children, and he could understand why she wanted to get their lives on an even keel, but how will she react if she is carrying a child?
He was rubbing his temples when he heard a noise behind him, and turning, he found her standing in the doorway, watching him, wearing his shirt with her arms wrapped around herself. “How long have you been watching me?”
“Long enough to know that you’re disappointed in me.”
Smiling and turning, he held his hand out to her, and when she took it, he drew her toward him. “I’m not disappointed in you. I’m concerned…about what Paul will say. I’m worried about how you’ll feel if we find there is a baby.”
She stepped into him, wrapping her arms around him and laying her head on his chest. When he raised his hand to her head and gently stroked her hair, she closed her eyes and listened to his heartbeat…strong, rhythmic, and calming. Looking back up into his eyes, she said, “I never meant to hurt you, Adam. And maybe I’m being selfish.” She reached up and caressed his face, and then pulled him down to her and kissed him softly, waiting for him to respond. When he did, she pressed against him, whispering. “I don’t want to disappoint you. I’ll do whatever you want.”
Lifting her into his arms, he carried her back to the bed and lay down with her, holding her against him. “What I want most is for you to be happy. And if that means we wait until we can talk to Paul, then we’ll wait.” He drew his finger down her nose and gently touched her lips. “We’ll be home day after tomorrow. Before we leave Virginia City for the ranch, we’ll go see Paul.” He kissed her again. “Now get some sleep. We have a lot of traveling ahead of us.”
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