Free Rachel by Jill Smith

her.
    “It is really you,” he said, relief in his tone, in his smile.
    “It is really me.” She waited, anxious, longing.
    He stepped closer still, the gap between them filled. His fingers worked the clasps of her veil, catching on the fine threads. “I’m sorry.”
    “You won’t hurt the veil, my lord.”
    He bent closer and gently undid the clasp this time, freeing her of the veil that enclosed her. He lifted it from her head and tossed it aside. Turning, he sifted both hands through her unbound hair and pulled her to him, his mouth seeking hers. His kisses, no longer the gentle pecks they had stolen in rare private moments during their betrothal, quickly deepened, possessing her until her knees nearly gave way beneath her.
    When at last he pulled back, he wasted no time in removing her robe. She lifted trembling fingers to his sash, unable to undo the knot. He placed both hands over hers, silently helping her. Had he done the same for Leah?
    The thought of her sister made her breath hitch. She did not want to think about her here! The intrusion brought a rush of anger to the surface and with it the sting of sudden tears.
    He seemed not to notice, and she blinked them away. She would not spoil their time together with complaints or let him see her worries.
    “You’re trembling,” he said as he led her to the raised bed spread with fine linen sheets waiting for them.
    “Am I?” But a shiver passed through her in defiance of her question, betraying her.
    He traced a line along her shoulder, then tucked a long strand of hair behind her ear. “Do not be afraid, Rachel. I have longed for, prayed for this moment from the first sight I had of you. My little shepherdess.” He smiled into her eyes even as his fingers moved over her back, pulling her against him.
    “I’m not afraid.” She leaned forward to kiss him. She would prove herself a worthy lover. Better than Leah. The thought bolstered her courage, and she pushed thoughts of Leah from her mind as she gave in to Jacob’s sweet caresses. She was finally his. And he was hers.

    At dawn the next morning, Rachel awoke first, her mind slowly clearing. She looked over at Jacob’s dear form and smiled. He loved her! And she was at last his wife for as long as life lasted. She leaned closer, brushed a strand of hair from where it had fallen across his forehead. He stirred, blinked, then looked at her. At his quick sigh, she smiled.
    “Rachel.” His voice was music to her ears.
    “Jacob.” She leaned close, kissing his nose.
    His arms came around her. “I love you, you know.”
    “I know.” She laughed as his beard tickled her neck.
    “I am sorry things turned out as they did.”
    “With Leah, you mean?”
    He nodded, pulling back to look at her. “Things won’t change between us. I will love you as I have always loved you. Don’t ever doubt that.”
    She nodded, brushing her long fingers through his hair. “I wish . . .” She looked away. “I wanted you to myself.” She kissed him softly, lingering.
    He wound his fingers through her hair, breathing softly ofher scent. “And you shall have me to yourself. Things will be as we always planned.”
    “You would set Leah aside?” For the faintest moment, she almost hoped.
    Jacob stroked her face, his calloused fingers gentle against her cheek. “I will do what I must by her.” He looked beyond her, and she knew the thought pained him. “I cannot ignore her entirely.”
    “You can when she carries a child.” She coaxed him to look at her. “Then you will have no need to be with her. While I, on the other hand, can have you to myself even when my belly swells with life.” She kissed him softly again, pleased at the stirring of longing in his eyes. “Me, you will not get rid of so easily, my husband.”
    He laughed, wrapping both arms around her. “What a little temptress you are!” He buried his face into her hair, tickling her ear.
    She laughed with him, warmed by the joy in his voice.