Home of Her Heart (Hearts of the War Book 2) Read online

  Delighted she thought of him even in her dreams, he slipped one arm beneath her shoulders and the other around her back, pulling her against him. She snuggled into the warmth of his chest, asleep. Desperate to taste her again, to revel in the sweetness of her, he pleasured her mouth with teasing kisses. When her lips parted, he kissed her deep and long.

  Her eyes popped open. The fog in her gaze cleared away as joy and yearning took its place. Seductively, she smirked and brushed her hand across the muscles of his chest, twirling her fingers through the light brown hair growing there. “Hey, handsome, why aren’t you asleep?”

  The smirk heated his blood every bit as much as her touch, while the sultry tone of her voice made it impossible for him to think of anything beyond how much he loved her. He grinned and subtly moved closer. “How could I sleep, Laney, with you here beside me?”

  “Laney?” she asked, pressing teasing kisses along his jawline and down his neck.

  “I’ve decided that’s what I’m going to call you when it’s just us. You’re Dee to your friends, Sis to your dad, but to me, you are Laney. Or I suppose I could call you Lady Lane. How about Larry, if I combine your first and middle name?

  She laughed and the throaty sound of it cast what little sense and restraint he had left to the wind. He buried his hands in her hair and kissed her with a fierce possessiveness that left them both breathless.

  When he lifted his head, she gulped in air and then mumbled, “Laney it is, soldier boy.”

  Later, as Delaney once again slept, Klayne took one more deep breath of her fragrance, imprinting it in his memories. Quietly, he slipped from the bed and yanked on his clothes. Downstairs, he found a piece of paper in the kitchen near the telephone. He wrote Delaney a note then carried it back upstairs, leaving it on his pillow along with a necklace he’d purchased for her when he’d bought the wedding ring.

  Emotion clogged his throat as he bent down and kissed her forehead. Other than his friend Billy, he’d never had anyone to say goodbye to. Never had anyone who might miss him. Never felt such a desperate longing to stay.

  The notion that Delaney wanted him there made him fight the urge to wake her up and tell her the full truth of why he insisted on marrying her yesterday. Waking her would only make their parting harder, though. Of that he had no doubt.

  Conflicted, he hoped what he’d done, what they’d done, wouldn’t cause her problems in the future. Until he was killed on the mission, she’d be bound by marriage to a man she barely knew. She couldn’t date some nice local boy, fall in love, and live happily ever after, now that she’d become his wife. Whether he lived or died, she was stuck with him.

  What have I done? he wondered. The immensity of the situation almost buckled his knees.

  Instead of faltering, he braced one arm on the headboard, studying her for several long moments before he brushed a lock of hair away from her face and wondered if he’d ever again have the opportunity and privilege of spending a night in her arms.

  Before he tossed aside his responsibilities and career to remain with her, Klayne grazed a kiss across her lips. She smiled and sighed happily. Her voice, when she spoke, was thick with sleep. “Love you, Klayne.”

  “I love you, too, sweetheart. So, so much,” he whispered then straightened. The words bubbling up from his soul were easier to say when he didn’t have to fear her reaction to them. His forefinger stroked across her hairline then along her cheek. “You are the first and only woman I’ll ever love, Laney. What we just shared was better than anything I could have dreamed or imagined. Not because you’re beautiful to look at and feel so good in my arms, but because you’re lovely from the inside out and feel so good in my heart. Stay safe and please don’t hate me. I’m going to miss you, my amazing wife.”

  Lest he change his mind and surrender to his need to climb back in the bed with her, he hurried outside into the darkness of predawn. Klayne arrived back at the base as the sky began to lighten. He returned the car to its rightful owner along with a dozen doughnuts he’d purchased the previous afternoon. Rather than answer questions about where he’d been or what he’d done, he offered another word of thanks then went to his bunk. Quickly gathering his things, he took a hot shower. He hated to do it, to wash away the faint lingering fragrance of his wife, but he had to get ready for the day ahead.

  Hastily gulping a cup of strong, black coffee, he then reported for duty. In a whirlwind of activity, he found himself packing his things to leave that afternoon with those from his squadron. Those who weren’t flying planes to Minneapolis for modifications or directly to the base in South Carolina would spend around five days traveling across the country via train.

  With one last glance around his bunk to make sure he hadn’t left anything behind, he rushed out the door. A messenger rushed up to him with a large envelope.

  “Hey, Sarge. A gentleman dropped this off for you. Said it was urgent you received it.” The young man handed him the envelope, snapped a salute and jogged off.

  Klayne set down the duffle bag he carried and opened the envelope. Inside, he could see photographs Tony Campanelli had taken the previous evening of Klayne and Delaney, along with a note.

  Flooded with a longing to go to his bride, Klayne closed the flap of the envelope, tucked it into his bag, and hurried to catch the ride to the depot.

  He stood in line, watching the crowds. Indians with long, dark braids intermingled with teary-eyed women. Many wives and girlfriends gathered to say goodbye to the soldiers who boarded the train. Regret that he hadn’t given Delaney the chance to bid him farewell pricked at his conscience, but he ignored it. Things were better the way he’d left them. He was sure of it.

  Finally, Klayne boarded the train and took a seat next to one of the men from his squad. If Klayne had an interest in making friends, the man sitting next to him would have topped the list. Bob was a valued soldier and a good man. But the last thing Klayne thought he needed were more emotional attachments to cloud his judgment and rip his heart to shreds.

  He’d vowed to never care for anyone again after Billy. Yet, all it had taken was one look from Delaney and he’d tossed aside his vow. Instantly, he’d fallen head over heels in love with the woman.

  As the train left the station, Klayne had to grip the edge of the seat to keep from bolting down the aisle, out the door, and running back to Delaney. The note he left would have been read hours ago and she’d know he was gone.

  Absently, he wondered if she’d despise him for what he’d done. For loving her so thoroughly then leaving like a coward while she slept. If he’d had to face her tears, he couldn’t have left. He would have deserted the Army and run off to Mexico with her. Then again, she wouldn’t abandon the ranch and he would never ask her to.

  By some miracle, if he didn’t die in battle, he hoped she’d speak to him when he one day returned home.

  Chapter Ten

  Delaney awakened in unhurried stages, not quite ready for a new day to begin. Oddly languid, she rolled onto her back and lazily stretched her arms and legs before slowly opening her eyes.

  Surprised to find herself not in her bedroom, but the guest room, memories of the events of the previous afternoon and evening washed over her.

  Heat burned her cheeks as she thought about the night she spent in Klayne’s strong arms. She’d behaved so… wantonly. Or was it just the way a newlywed wife behaved when she was madly in love with her handsome, charming husband.

  Uncertain how to face him in the glaring light of day, she rolled her head to the side and found only an empty bed. Klayne’s scent, a spicy masculine fragrance that even now made her stomach flutter in response to it, filled her nose as she moved onto her side and buried her face in his pillow.

  She wondered where he’d gone. From the spears of light seeping in the window, she knew she was late rising. Had he already returned to the base? Under the assumption he’d go to Pendleton Field, do what he needed to do and return to her that night, she hadn’t bothered to ask him whe
n he’d be back or what time he needed to leave.

  What if he’d already gone while she slept? Had he watched her sleep? Her face turned red just thinking of him studying her. In fairness, she’d studied him for the longest time as they rested in each other’s arms. She wanted to be able to see him when she closed her eyes, to memorize every detail about him, knowing he’d leave soon. That was why she insisted on leaving the light on in the hall. It provided just enough illumination, she could see the warm light in his eyes and make note of the tiny scar above his lip that almost touched his nose. She committed to memory every freckle that dotted the back of his shoulders.

  Klayne had been so sweet and gentle with his loving, yet he’d been consumed with a need for her. A need she not only recognized, but reciprocated.

  Grateful her father was out of town and they had the house to themselves, Delaney slid her hand beneath the pillow and encountered something that crinkled. She turned on the bedside lamp then pulled out a sheet of paper, folded into thirds with her name scrawled across the front.

  Wary of the note, of what it might mean, she unfolded the paper and read it.

  Shocked and stunned, she blinked twice before she could read it again.

  The third time she read it, she sat up straight in the bed, heedless to her state of undress, and experienced a great stabbing pain to her heart.

  My Darling Wife,

  The last thing in this world I’d ever want to do is hurt you, Delaney. In an effort to shelter you from the harsh reality of the way things really are, I chose not to tell you the entire truth yesterday. I let you believe that I’d be leaving Pendleton soon. While that isn’t a lie, the fact is I’ll be leaving today. I have a feeling where I’m heading is only a stop on the way to a bigger, grander mission, one I have yet to discover but have been assured some if not most of us will not survive.

  My immediate departure is why I thought it best to keep our marriage one in name only. Please don’t misunderstand, though. Last night was the best night of my entire life. Although I have often wished to find a woman who cared for me, could share a few scraps of her affection on this undeserving soldier, you, lovely Laney, amazed me by the generosity of your love. I am awed by the tenderness I’ve known the last several hours in the haven of your arms.

  I should be ashamed of what transpired this last evening, of so eagerly accepting the love you so willingly offered, but I can’t manage to summon a single regret. If I had only one memory to sustain me for the rest of my life, it would be of lying right here next to you, holding you in my arms as you slept so peacefully against my chest.

  No matter what the very uncertain future might bring, I hope you’ll remember this indisputable fact — I love you. I love you with all of my heart, my soul, my mind, and my body. I love you so completely, I can’t even begin to fathom the miraculous possibilities of it. I love you more than I ever dreamed of loving anyone.

  In case you think I’ll forget you during this horrible war, let me assure you, there is no forgetting you, Delaney Marie Danvers Campbell. You are as unique, lovely, and rare as the exotic blooms your intoxicating fragrance brings to mind. From this day forward, you will be foremost in my mind and heart.

  Thank you, beloved, for giving me something I’ve waited my entire life to find. You are the first person who ever said, “I love you,” to me, and for that I’m eternally grateful. But it’s more than that, far deeper than that. You’ve finally given me a home - the place I know I belong… right there in your heart.

  It may be a long while before I have the chance to write to you. Please take good care of yourself, dear wife. Someday, I will return because I now have a reason beyond all reasons to survive. I have the love of a magnificent woman and that, sweetheart, is all the inspiration I need to make it through the weeks and months ahead.

  Please express my apologies to Dill for not giving him a chance to grant his permission for our hasty wedding.

  I’ll keep your family, including your brother, in my prayers. Perhaps you’ll keep me in yours, too. I’m sure I can use all the help I can get.

  Don’t cry any tears for me, Delaney. Just face each day with a smile, knowing somewhere out there is a man who loves you beyond all sense or reason, who would move mountains to be with you again.

  I love you, my beautiful bride, with all that I am.

  Yours forever,

  Klayne

  Delaney wasn’t a woman generally given to bouts of hysteria or tears, but she broke down in heart wrenching sobs so uncontrollable, she soaked through the pillow she held against her face and had to use the sheet to mop away the tears.

  She cried for the naïve dreams broken into shattered pieces around her. Somehow, she’d just known Klayne wouldn’t leave her. He loved her. Wasn’t that enough for him to be able to stay? She wanted him to be there, would have done anything to keep him with her. Perhaps he’d known she’d cry and beg him not to go was why he snuck away while she slept.

  They could have run away together, somewhere safe where he’d never be asked to leave her. Yet, even as she considered the possibility, she knew she couldn’t have done it. The country needed Klayne more than she did.

  Priding herself on her patriotism, Delaney had spent many hours in the last year and a half helping with the Bundles for Britain campaign. Although Amy knit scarves and sweaters to contribute, Delaney couldn’t sit still long enough to do any handiwork. Instead, she gathered up clothes, blankets, shoes, and even some basic medical supplies to send to war-torn Britain.

  She’d been among the first in town to volunteer to put up “Remember Pearl Harbor” signs and proudly wore a small Victory pin on her lapel whenever she went to Pendleton. She’d helped some of the women at church bake dozens and dozens of cookies for the soldiers stationed at Pendleton Field. Sage Hills Ranch had donated beef for community fundraisers to support the war efforts. Everyone at the ranch purchased war bonds every time they went to town.

  The Danvers’ household had been one full of patriotism and love of country from the moment her grandfather built it. How could she do any less than support her country and the brave soldiers who defended it?

  Suddenly, her need to support the war effort seemed much more personal, far more urgent.

  Tears abated, she sat up again and pulled Klayne’s pillow to her, breathing deeply of his scent lingering on the case. When she turned her face to the side, she noticed a tiny, flat box tucked into the gap between the mattress and the headboard. Pulling it out, she opened the lid and read the brief note from Klayne.

  The exquisite beauty of this made me think of you. I pray each time you wear it, you’ll remember how much you are loved.

  A gleaming silver chain joined in the front with a delicate filigreed heart from which a single, perfect tear-shaped pearl hung. Simplistic yet beautiful, Delaney sniffled as she lifted the necklace from the box.

  “Foolish man. He probably spent a year’s wages on the necklace and my wedding ring,” she muttered and held out her left hand to admire the diamond on her finger. The band encircling her finger made everything seem starkly real.

  Delaney returned the necklace to the box, grabbed the letter from Klayne, and bolted out of bed. She raced into her room, left the gift and note on her dresser, then rushed to shower. She dressed in one of her most flattering gowns, styled her hair so it waved and curled becomingly around her face, and fastened the necklace around her neck. Hastily grabbing her handbag, she dashed downstairs.

  She may have been a weeping mess an hour earlier, but now she was mad. Klayne might think he was protecting her, sheltering her, but she deserved better than that. She needed more than that. He should have told her in the first place he was leaving today. The truth wouldn’t have changed anything that happened, none of which she regretted. However, she would have at least been prepared to tell him goodbye, even if she didn’t want to let him go.

  After tugging on her snow boots and wool coat, she made her way out to the bunkhouse. The light was on
in the barn and the men had no doubt been up for a few hours. She rapped once before opening the door.

  Butch stood at the sink washing the breakfast dishes. He glanced over at her and lifted one bushy eyebrow. “What are you up to this morning, Girly?”

  “I need to go into Pendleton, Butch. I’m not sure what time I’ll be back. I just wanted to let you know and see if you needed any supplies.”

  “Nope, we’re all set here.” He gave her a long, knowing look. “Don’t suppose your trip into town has anything to do with that soldier who was here last night?”

  “As a matter of fact, it does.” Delaney started out the door, but Butch’s comments brought her up short.

  “Your folks didn’t raise you to act so slack with your morals. Just because your dad is gone doesn’t mean it’s okay to do something like let one of those pretty soldier boys sweet-talk their way into your bed. I may be old, but I ain’t blind or stupid. I saw his car parked outside all night.”

  Delaney’s entire face turned red as she spun around and loosed her temper on the old cowboy. “How dare you accuse me of… of being a…” She slammed her handbag down on the scarred surface of the big wooden dinner table and yanked off her glove, waggling her ring finger in Butch’s face. “I married a very nice man yesterday. And yes, I did it without Dad knowing, but that was only because Klayne is leaving, right now, today. No matter what you thought I did, I didn’t. Furthermore, you can just dang well keep this to yourself. I don’t want anyone telling Dad before I have a chance to explain things to him. Klayne intended to ask Dad’s permission, but as you know, that’s impossible with him gone. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to try to make it to Pendleton in time to say goodbye to my husband.”

  Butch’s mouth had dropped open at the sight of the ring on her finger and continued to dangle in the air during her tirade. He snapped it closed as she grabbed her handbag and stormed out the door, fury fueling her steps all the way to the car. She started it and roared down their lane, much to the surprise of the cowboys in the barn and the chagrin of the man standing in the bunkhouse doorway watching her drive away.