Shifted By The Winds (46 page)

“I didn’t say it was easy,” Abby responded, suddenly sounding very much like the mentor who had helped her through so many challenging moments. “You can spend all your time here dreading what will come in ten days, or you can simply choose to make the most of every moment
here
.” Her voice softened. “The future is going to come. You will figure it out as it unfolds. You will be given the grace and strength to walk every step you are given to walk.”

Carrie listened closely and then leaned forward to wrap Abby in a tight embrace. “How did I ever live my life before I had you?” she whispered.

“It must have been difficult,” Abby teased, clasping her close. “I certainly have no idea how I lived without
you
as my daughter. Next to your father, you are the greatest gift I have ever been given. Sometimes I feel woefully inadequate, but then I have to trust my love will be enough.”

Carrie sighed as she rested her head on Abby’s shoulder.  Long minutes passed as the two women sat quietly, letting their hearts speak the love between them.

Abby finally stood. “It’s time for you to get some sleep. Tomorrow morning is coming much too quickly. I don’t want Robert to think we kept you up all night. I’m sure he would rather you not collapse from exhaustion when you see him.” She stood, walked Carrie to the bed, waited until she had crawled under the covers, and then tucked her in. “I’ve always wanted to do that for a daughter,” she said softly. She leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “I love you, Carrie. Sleep well.”

Wrapped in Abby’s warm love, Carrie was asleep before her stepmother slipped from the room.

Robert paced back and forth in the woods, his ears straining for the sound of an approaching carriage, but all he heard was the twitter of birds and the rustle of squirrels dashing through the trees. He sighed impatiently, smiling when Granite stomped his foot and snorted his agreement. “She’s coming, old man,” he promised, his smile turning to a laugh when Granite’s response was to toss his head and snort more loudly. Juniper, the mare he had chosen to ride so he could give her more training, just stared at him placidly. She seemed perfectly content to be tied in the middle of the woods on the edge of the road. She stared at Granite for a moment, and then closed her eyes and flicked her tail.

Robert continued his conversation with Granite. “I don’t have any way of knowing exactly when Carrie will be here, but in Thomas’ last letter he said they would be here in early afternoon.” Granite’s eyes widened. “Yes, I know that provides rather a large window to wait here in the woods, but it will be worth it when we surprise her. We’ve already been here two hours. Certainly it can’t be that much longer.”

Granite suddenly lifted his head to attention, his ears flicking forward as he turned to stare down the road. Robert quit pacing and sprang forward to peer from behind the thick brush. He couldn’t hear anything yet, but he trusted Granite. “Be quiet, old man,” he whispered as he lay his hand on the big Thoroughbred’s neck. Granite remained alert, but stayed silent. Robert hoped it was Carrie and the rest, but he also knew it could be anyone, including vigilantes. It had taken him a while to grasp that he was in as much danger—possibly more—than Moses, Rose and the rest, but they had finally convinced him to be careful. He tightened his grip on his pistol and kept his eyes glued to the road.

When the carriage finally rounded the curve, he let out a relieved laugh, untied both horses, and leapt into Juniper’s saddle. He waited until the carriage was less than a hundred feet away before he stepped out onto the road, leading Granite by his bridle. He saw the driver stiffen and reach for his sidearm, but at the exact same moment Carrie’s cry split the air.

“Robert! Robert!”

Robert raised his hand and started laughing as Carrie jumped up on the carriage seat, waving wildly as the driver slowed and then stopped the carriage. He vaulted down and was waiting when she ran into his arms. “Carrie,” he whispered, crushing her to him. He had missed her every single moment, but having her in his arms made him question how he had survived it. He buried his face in her soft black hair and breathed in her scent. “Welcome home,” he murmured.

Carrie leaned back just enough to capture his lips. Robert’s blood roared as his wife’s body melted into his.

“Are the rest of us needed here?”

Robert chuckled against Carrie’s lips when Thomas’ voice broke through their passion. “Let’s get rid of them,” he suggested.

“Please do,” Carrie agreed. An impish grin flitted across her lips before she turned and flung her arms around Granite’s neck.

Robert smiled up at Thomas and the rest. “Welcome! I’m sure you won’t be surprised when I tell you it will be a while before Carrie and I return to the plantation. Everyone is waiting for you at the house. There is quite a feast prepared.” He should know. He had a large basket of it hidden away. He’d been busy since early morning.

Suddenly his eyes narrowed as he inspected the large carriage. “Where are Elizabeth, Alice and Florence?”

Carrie pulled away from Granite. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later.”

Robert nodded. The person he cared most about was staring at him with luminous green eyes. All he wanted was to get her alone.

Thomas gave them a wave. “Have fun,” he called as he motioned for the driver to continue on.

Robert watched until the carriage had disappeared around the next bend in the road, and then pulled Carrie close again. The kiss left him weak. If Carrie’s sagging body was any indication, she was in the same condition.

Carrie finally pulled back. “Are we just going to stand in the road all afternoon?” she teased in an unsteady voice.

Robert laughed. “Follow me,” he commanded as he sprang into Juniper’s saddle.

“No fair!” Carrie cried, staring down at her green traveling dress.

Robert flicked a glance at the bundle tied behind Granite’s saddle.

“Really?” Carrie breathed, a wide smile exploding on her face. She pulled Granite back into the woods. When she emerged a few minutes later, she was clad in breeches and a warm jacket. The air was not cold, but it was crisp enough to relish the thick coat.  She had released her hair from its confining bun, and then quickly platted it into a braid that streamed down her back. “I’m ready,” she declared.

“Now let’s see if you can keep up,” Robert taunted her, urging Juniper into a gallop.

He heard Carrie’s musical laugh float through the breeze. He didn’t have to look to know she had vaulted into Granite’s saddle and was now after him in mad pursuit. He had a substantial lead on her, but it was only seconds before Granite streaked past him, Carrie’s slender form appearing as one with the horse’s muscular, gray body.

Carrie’s eyes widened when they broke out into the clearing along the river. She had instinctively known where her husband was taking her, but what was waiting for them almost took her breath away. “Robert!”

Robert remained silent while he dismounted, removed Juniper’s bridle and saddle, and tied her to a tree. When he looked up, Carrie was just turning Granite loose to graze. Granite would never dream of leaving. He slipped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “Do you like it?” he asked softly.

“It’s wonderful,” Carrie cried as she took in the square of brightly colored blankets laid on the ground, their corners anchored with large rocks to hold them in place. A picnic basket rested on the edge nearest the river. Off to the side was another pile of blankets. She shivered as Robert stepped up behind and slowly pulled her coat off her shoulders.

Carrie turned and stared up into his brown eyes. They were glowing with so much love it almost took her breath away. Robert looked wonderful. He was just as handsome as the day she had met him, but now his good looks were enhanced by wisdom and experience. The war that had nearly killed him had etched character into his face. All they had been through had done nothing but forge their souls. She reached her hand up and laid it gently on his cheek, her lips trembling with emotion. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Robert sucked in his breath. “How much, Mrs. Borden?”

Carrie smiled as her hand traveled down his cheek to rest on his strong chest. “I’ll be happy to show you, Mr. Borden.”

Moments later they were buried beneath a mound of thick quilts, their clothes a tangled heap on the side.

Carrie watched Robert as he stood, every part of her satisfied and happy. Her eyes were heavy, but her heart felt light.

Robert glanced back at her. “Ready to eat?”

She raised a brow. “Are we referring to the picnic or to…?”

Robert raised a brow in return, dropped the basket and turned to her with a meaningful look.

“Don’t you dare!” Carrie cried as she laughed in surrender. “I’m starving!”

“And I continue to be a neglected husband,” Robert said sadly, his eyes dancing with fun as he grabbed the basket, settled down next to her and opened it. “Annie took good care of us,” he murmured.

“I’m sure she did,” Carrie replied, “but the only way I’m coming out from beneath these blankets is if you hand me my clothes.” She shivered as a breeze blew off the water. They still had at least two hours of daylight, but the temperature was dropping.

“Cold front coming in,” Robert said casually, his eyes skimming her face appreciatively. He reached in the basket. “Fried chicken. Cole slaw. Potato salad. Biscuits. Pickles. Blueberry cobbler.” He smacked his lips as he pulled them out one at a time. “I predict you are going to love this.” He laid out the plates on the blanket and loaded them with food. Then he reached for a chicken thigh.

“Robert!”

“Yes, dear?” Robert took a bite, his eyes fixed on her creamy shoulders exposed by the blankets.

“My clothes,” she demanded. “It’s cold out there.”

“I offered to keep you warm,” Robert reminded her.

“That’s not fair!”

Robert shrugged. “I believe you’re the one who told me all is fair in love and war.”

“I never…”

“Then you should have,” Robert retorted. “Do you know how many nights I have dreamed of having you just like this?”

Carrie’s look softened. “I promise I will reward you well if you give me my clothes,” she said temptingly.

Robert tilted his head, considering. “How well?”

“You’ll be happy,” Carrie promised him. “On the other hand,” she continued, the playfulness leaving her voice, “if you don’t hand me my clothes right now so I can stop shivering and eat, you are going to be very sorry.”