Katie Rose (45 page)

“Oh, Gabriel, I’m so glad!” Jennifer cried.

“I love you, Jennifer, and have from the first moment I met you. I fought against it, prayed against it, avoided you, and in general did everything I could to distance myself from you. But none of it worked. Every time I saw you I simply wanted you more. If you meant to get revenge, you got it in spades, for I spent endless nights thinking about you, wanting to feel you in my arms, wanting to see that incredible expression on your face the first time I kissed you. Even that should have told you where my priorities really were, for in the Barrymores’ garden, I could no more resist you than a bee could a rose. I love you, Jennifer Appleton, every part of you, and wouldn’t change a thing about you.”

“Oh, Gabriel,” Jennifer cried. Joy flooded through her, incomprehensible and stunning in its beauty. She hadn’t realized until this moment how long she had ached to hear him say these things. But it was happening, it was real. “I will give it up, I promise! I never want to upset you or make you unhappy again. I love you, Gabriel, and only want your happiness.”

“You don’t have to give anything up. I admit, I’m glad to hear that you’ve decided against any more incantations, for I don’t think I could sleep at night, knowing that ghosts were watching. But if you want to continue to help others, to see women who need your help, and men who come to you for spiritual guidance, I fully support that. I think I have to draw the line at the magnetic healing, however.” At Jennifer’s giggle, he continued. “I’m a little too jealous to have you laying your hands all over any man but me.”

Jennifer wrapped her arms around him and hugged him fiercely. “I decided a long time ago to stop the healing. You were right about that, too. Gabriel, I love you! You’ve made me so happy!”

Having her this close was too much for him. Gabriel turned her in his arms, and her lips met his in a scorching kiss. Desire, long repressed, flamed quickly into being, and he groaned when Jennifer pressed herself fully against him, responding with an innocent ardor that set him on fire. His mouth opened over hers in a fierce demand, one that she answered so completely that he lost all control. His tongue met hers, wanting to taste the silken sweetness of her mouth, while his body sought more intimate contact. Jennifer rose on the parlor couch, her arms slipping up to his neck, her fingers buried in his hair as she lost herself in his kiss.

Aunt Eve’s discreet cough from the next room was like a bucket of cold water thrown over the couple. Reluctantly, Gabriel eased from Jennifer’s embrace, stunned by the realization that a simple kiss left him reeling. To his utter gratification, he saw that Jennifer’s cheeks had turned a bright pink, and she smoothed her dress in confusion, as if trying to sort out what had happened. When she lifted her face to his, his breath caught in his throat.

“There is one more thing I am going to demand of you,” he whispered, his voice aching and hoarse. When
Jennifer looked up at him shyly, he grinned, taking her in his arms. “You will refuse me until we are properly wed. I am going to take you as a decent man should, this time—
after
the wedding. Do you understand me?”

Jennifer’s eyes melted and she smiled softly. “Yes, Gabriel. Oh, yes.”

“Jennifer, stop fussing with that dress!” Aunt Eve scolded as Jennifer fidgeted uncomfortably in the ivory satin wedding gown. “You’ll have wrinkles in every fold!”

The old woman’s face softened even as she scolded, for Jennifer was a beautiful bride. Stepping back, she admired the simple gown, with its elegant scooped neckline, long sleeves, scalloped skirt, and fitted bodice. It was the new fashion, a Princess sheath dress which scandalously had no bustle. The dress fitted tightly to the hips, then flowed gracefully to the floor. A Worth original, the gown had cost Gabriel a small fortune, but he’d insisted in spite of Jennifer’s protests. In retrospect, Eve could only admit that the man was right.

“I don’t mind wrinkles,” Jennifer said, giving her aunt a teasing sideways grin. “Especially like this.” Reaching out, she startled her elderly relative with a fierce bear hug that left Aunt Eve slightly breathless.

“Whew! I daresay you are right.” Aunt Eve fanned herself, but couldn’t help the girlish giggle that escaped her. She reached out and pulled a few curls down from Jennifer’s upswept hairstyle, to frame her face. “My dear, you
look stunning. I’ve waited for this day, to see you so happy and well wed. I wish you and Gabriel would have given me more time to plan, but I suppose that couldn’t be helped. A New Year’s wedding! It is so unusual, yet special at the same time. You don’t mind if I cry a little, do you?”

“Cry all you want,” Jennifer said, fighting back her own tears. “Although I want today to be happy, and everyone to have a wonderful time. You know, Auntie, there is something that is troubling me. I have the impression that you and Mary Forester had more to do with all this than I’ve been led to believe. Is that true?”

“Moi?”
Aunt Eve gazed at her in complete innocence, and Jennifer knew at once that her suspicions were correct. Before her elderly relative could feign a protest, Jennifer continued.

“And I think Mildred Adams was involved as well. I remember her saying something the night of the party about Gabriel.”

“I know nothing of any of it,” Eve said determinedly, although her eyes sparkled. “In any event, true love found a way, although you two were determined that it never happen.”

Jennifer giggled, then hugged her again. When she broke the embrace, she glanced around the room. “Where is Winnie?”

“Here.” Winifred stepped into the bedroom, holding a beautiful pearl necklace. “I thought this might be nice with your dress today,” she said shyly. “It would please me if you’d wear it, but I understand if you’d prefer one of Auntie’s necklaces, or that beautiful sapphire Gabriel gave you.” Winifred glanced quickly at the lacquered jewel box on the table, where Gabriel’s engagement gift resided.

“It’s Mother’s necklace,” Jennifer breathed, looking at her sister with eyes full of love. “I know how much you treasure it. I’ll be proud to wear it, dear, if you’ll let me.”

Winifred stepped behind Jennifer and hooked the intricate clasp. When she caught her reflection in the mirror, Jennifer reverently touched the pearls, remembering how Winifred used to caress the necklace nightly, thinking of their mother. Every pearl was filled with memories, and so much more beautiful to Jennifer than the finest of gems.

“I’ve got something, too.” Penelope leaped up, determined not to be outdone by her sister. “It isn’t as grand as Winifred’s gift, but I do hope you’ll carry it.” Penelope pressed her prayer book into Jennifer’s hands, the very one she’d carried when she’d made her First Communion. “I’ve kept it all these years for a special occasion, and I can think of nothing more special than this.”

Jennifer touched her cheek in thanks, taking the book in her gloved hands. Aunt Eve dabbed at her eyes, taking in the vision of her three beautiful nieces. Penelope and Winifred, in burgundy velvet, looked wonderful, and Jennifer, the radiant bride, was like the brilliant diamond in their midst. “Are you ready, dear?”

Jennifer nodded, then followed her aunt out to the carriage. The church was beautiful, decorated with holly and pointsettias, and iced with snow. Disembarking from the carriage, Jennifer started down the aisle, her heart pounding as if it would escape from her body.

Gabriel stood waiting for her at the altar. In that second, it was as if time stood still. Everything she’d ever wanted culminated in this moment, and as the music began and she walked toward him, she could hear Penelope’s sobbing and Aunt Eve’s choked tears. She saw the Billings, Mrs. Hawthorne—holding the hand of her adopted child—Jonathan Wiseley, Mildred Adams with her handkerchief pressed to her face, and dozens more. Jennifer didn’t want to cry; joy was bursting inside her, filling her with a sanctifying essence. Today she would be one with the only man she’d ever loved, and nothing could make her happier.

She reached the end of her journey and Gabriel took her hand in his warm one, giving her a reassuring squeeze. Jennifer stood beside him, repeating the vows. At the proper time, he slid the ring onto her finger, a magnificent diamond band that glinted beautifully in the dim candlelight. When she looked into his eyes, his expression took her breath away. He leaned down and kissed her and the minister coughed, for Gabriel didn’t seem to want to let her go.

“There’ll be plenty of time for that later, son,” the pastor admonished him. Gabriel reluctantly eased from Jennifer’s arms, amid good-natured laughter from the front pews. When he took Jennifer’s hand, she felt the welcome pressure of the ring between her fingers, the symbol of eternity. Sensing a presence in the cathedral, she glanced up toward the rafters. There, amid the stunning light of the stained-glass windows, she could see her parents smiling down at her, Gabriel’s father, and all those who had loved and crossed over to the other world. Tears stung her eyes and she smiled at the spirits, knowing that whether she could see them or not, they would be with her always.

Love, she knew for certain, was eternal.

And for her and Gabriel, it was just the beginning.

Special thanks to: Wendy McCurdy, Stephanie Kip, and Karen Solem, for their talent and assistance.

Connie Flannery, Linda Cajio, and Marlene Murdock, for their advice and support.

And to my daughter Erin, for her enthusiasm and belief in me.

Katie Rose is thrilled to be a part of Bantam’s Fanfare program. A lifetime resident of South Jersey, Katie lives with her daughter in Marlton and spends much of her free time horseback riding, exploring old houses, and researching American history. She is fascinated with the Victorian period, and sees a distinct parallel in the industrial revolution and the technology revolution today. Katie has a degree in journalism, and has been published in book form, magazine, and newspapers.

Welcome to Loveswept!

I truly believe that one of the best things in life is spending long, leisurely days curled up with a book. Whether it’s a novel of erotic discovery and hidden desire like Stacey Kane’s scorching e-original
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, a sizzling small town romance like Elisabeth Barrett’s fourth e-original Star Harbor book,
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, or an electrifying story featuring hockey hunks like Toni Aleo’s contemporary e-original
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 … it’s a wonderful feeling to be transported to a new and exciting world … especially one filled with sexy heroes and vibrant heroines. Pick up these reads and lose yourself in romance and love.

And for more wonderful reads, don’t miss:

Sandra Chastain’s
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an enthralling classic of secrets and suspense; Katie Rose’s charming historical romance,
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– where an attorney and a determined suffragette butt heads; Adrienne Staff and Sally Goldbaum’s
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– a sparkling story about a princely society man and his everyday princess; Iris Johansen’s blazing
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where passion takes a man and woman on a wild ride in a rough-and-tumble mining town; and Ruth Owen’s
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