From the Ashes

Chapter Thirty-Five

Richard thought it was all a dream. A wonderful, glorious dream but when he felt Juliana stir next to him he realized that dream had somehow managed to become his reality. He slowly turned and moved the hair from her face. She looked so peaceful sleeping, his angel, forever at his side.

His heart hurt with the emotions that welled up in him. From this point on he refused to be parted from her.

"Not that I could get away with leaving her behind," he thought and chuckled. He really should have known better.

He tried to slide from the bed and an arm locked him in place around his waist. This time he laughed out loud.

"It is morning, Love and we really should get back to the road. I am sure Cyril is eager to be home with Annabelle and the boys."

Juliana knew it was selfish but she just wanted to block out the rest of the world even if it were just for five more minutes before life intrudes and tries to drive them apart. So, she held on even tighter.

Richard understood how she felt and pulled her into his embrace. She sighed and closed her eyes and just took a moment to listen to his heartbeat, its rhythm was soothing.

Then there was a knock at the door. Both knew Life would not wait forever.

"Richard? Juliana? Are you awake?"

Juliana smiled at Richard, she really could not continue to be greedy. Annabelle needed her Cyril perhaps as much as she needed her Richard.

She let him go and slid from the bed.

Richard got to admire her naked beauty for one more brief moment before she donned a man's shirt but even then she was beautiful.

He jumped out of bed and laughed for the third time this morning taking in Juliana's delicate blush as she took in the sight of him. He quickly dressed into his clothes, hollering to Cyril he would be but a moment.

Juliana went to pick up the trousers and he stayed her hand, leading her over to his saddlebag. Juliana looked on confused but he pulled out a chemise and simple style dress. Something he had acquired from Lady Catherine's maid. He knew Juliana would never wear something belonging to his stepmother but he could not stand her being in men's clothing a minute longer.

"Thank you!" she said taking it from him.

"I thought you might be more comfortable." He gave her a quick kiss and grabbed his boots and opened the door.

Richard slipped through a crack he made for Juliana was not yet decent.

Cyril's eyebrow arched. "So, things went...well?"

"Yes. Very. Thank you," Richard said grinning, it could not be helped as the joy of being with Juliana made his heart want to burst with happiness. "Ready to go home?"

"Yes, Please!" Cyril said, and they walked together to stables.

Juliana felt so much better being in woman's clothing. She still could not believe her and Richard had finally spent the night together. Her body still hurt in places she did not expect. Richard was so gentle, so loving and kind, yet so passionate. She colored thinking how bold she had been, learning what power she had over him.

The knowledge she could give him pleasure and not just receive made her body hum, knowing things between them have only just begun. She did up her hair, quickly scrubbed her face and made her down the stairs. They were not found in the inn so she walked to the stables. They were hitching the horses. Soon they would be on the road and with luck be back to Clara's by nightfall.