Alana (38 page)
Authors: Monica Barrie
“Together, Alana–and when we are too old to make love, we will remember our lives and rejoice in our love.”
Alana’s lips twitched in silent mirth. She lowered her hand and slowly grasped his hardness. Stepping closer to him, she pressed her breasts upon his chest and felt the electric sharpness at the contact of her skin against his.
Within her hand, he grew even harder. “We will never be too old to make love, nor will we have to remember the past to rejoice in what we shall always have. And now, my husband to be, show me one of the wonderful ways in which you love me.”
And Rafe showed her, and continued to show her, until the sun rose and flooded the room with its life, giving Alana the knowledge that, with the arrival of the golden globe, Rafe was indeed still with her.
Three
days later, Alana, Rafe, and Crystal stood on the forward deck of the Harmony. The ship, fully loaded with cargo, was resting at anchor. The entire crew lined the port and starboard railings. The captain, in formal dress and holding the leather-bound ship’s Bible in his hand, stood before Rafe and Alana.
Alana wore a beautiful white gown that reached to the floor. Its bodice was a combination of silk and lace that clung to her breasts invitingly. Her long raven hair flowed freely down her back, and her face hidden by a thin white veil.
Rafe stood next to her, dressed formally in royal blue. They presented a picture of perfection. His jet and silver hair was uncovered; the morning sun kissed it and made it sparkle.
Crystal stood next to Alana, wearing a blue traveling dress and a wide-brimmed hat. Tears flowed freely from her eyes as she watched her brother and her closest friend make their vows and become husband and wife.
The ship’s crew was silent as they watched the wedding take place, and after Captain Sanders finished, they watched Rafe take a small gold band from his pocket and place it on Alana’s finger. Then he drew her into his arms and kissed her deeply.
With the kiss, the crew roared out their approval, and then the bosun’s pipes sounded. Miles Sanders closed the Bible and offered Rafe his hand.
“Congratulations,” he said with a serious smile.
“My thanks, Captain,” Rafe replied, “for everything you’ve done for Alana.”
Crystal embraced Alana, and both women cried tears of happiness. Yet Alana’s blended with sadness, for Crystal was returning to America with the Harmony.
“I wish you would stay with us,” Alana said, as she had been saying for the past two days.
“You know I can’t. Rafe,” she called, “make her stop.”
Rafe came over to them and slipped his arm around Alana’s waist. “Stop what?” he asked.
“She’s trying to talk me out of going back.”
“She’s right. Elizabeth, you know I don’t like what you’re doing.”
Crystal shook her head stubbornly. “He ruined me, Rafael. I will not be able to put my past to rest until I have ruined him in return.” Turning to Alana, Crystal said, “Just make sure that my brother doesn’t change his mind and go after Allison in person.”
Alana looked up into Rafe’s tightly set features, her eyes asking the silent question. As she held his gaze, Alana felt the security of Rafe’s earlier promise. “He won’t,” Alana stated with the confidence of love.
A few minutes later, Rafe and Alana watched the Harmony sail out of Cape Town’s harbor. They stood silently on the dock, their arms about each other’s waists. And when the Harmony was but a speck in the distance, Rafe turned to Alana, his free hand cupping her chin and lifting her face to his.
“I miss her already,” Alana whispered.
“I know, but we will be reunited soon,” Rafe replied. Then he smiled gently. “And I am here. I love you, Alana.”
“As I love you, Rafe.”
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Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading
Alana
. I hope you have enjoyed it, as much as I did when I wrote it, and I would love to hear from you about your reading experience.
If you like this book, and would like to lend me your support and help, please spread the word about
Alana
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Thank you for taking the time to read
Alana.
Important Links
eMail:
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Website:
http://www.monicabarrie.com
Amazon.com Author’s page:
http://bit.ly/MonicaBarrie
Monica Barrie is a multi-published author of contemporary and historical romances. She is also geriatric social worker, wife, and mother. She lives in New York with her husband
David Wind
, a multi published author himself.
Monica is re-releasing many of her Contemporary and Historical romance novels.
~~~~
For more information about Monica Barrie, please visit
www.monicabarrie.com
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